SAFA explains Bafana bonus delay as players and staff plan go-slow
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has broken its silence on the delayed FIFA World Cup 2026 bonuses owed to Bafana Bafana players and support staff, amid growing frustration within the national team setup.
It is understood that players and members of the support staff were planning to stage a go-slow during the upcoming Bafana Bafana camp as pressure mounted over the outstanding bonuses.
SAFA, however, says the delay is not linked to a lack of funds, but to tax compliance requirements arising from matches played in the United States of America and Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“SAFA wishes to clarify that the delay in paying Bafana bonus delay as players’ and support staff bonuses arising from the FIFA World Cup 2026 (FWC26) is due to outstanding international tax compliance requirements in the United States of America (USA) and Mexico,” the association said.
According to SAFA, because matches were played in both countries, it has to comply with US federal and state tax laws, as well as Mexican tax legislation.
“Given the complexity of these requirements, SAFA, in line with FIFA’s guidance, appointed specialist legal and tax advisers in both jurisdictions,” the association explained.
SAFA says significant progress has since been made, including obtaining an Employer Identification Number from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“The USA specialists are finalising the required tax calculations and documentation, while the process for settling the applicable Mexican tax obligations is also being finalised,” SAFA said.
The association also confirmed that it has already received a portion of the World Cup prize money.
Importantly, SAFA says players and support staff have received their normal allowances and other payments, with only the World Cup bonuses remaining outstanding.
“SAFA confirms that a portion of the FWC26 prize money has been received. All allowances, fees and other amounts due to players and support staff have been settled,” the statement read.
“The outstanding payments relate specifically to FWC26 bonuses which will be processed once the applicable tax requirements have been concluded.”
The delayed bonuses had reportedly become a source of tension ahead of the upcoming Bafana camp, with the planned go-slow highlighting the level of frustration among those still waiting for their World Cup-related payments.
SAFA insists it is committed to resolving the matter as quickly as possible.
“SAFA is committed to finalising the process as expeditiously as possible and ensuring that all legitimate bonuses are paid,” the association said.
The football body also hit back at sections of the media over what it described as last-minute inquiries and unrealistic deadlines for responses.
SAFA said complex financial and tax matters require sufficient time for proper consultation before the organisation can provide a considered response.
“Publishing allegations or incomplete information without allowing sufficient time for a response is misleading the public and unfairly damages SAFA’s reputation,” the association said.
The latest development comes at a sensitive time for Bafana, with attention now likely to turn to whether the outstanding bonuses will be resolved before the players and staff report for the next national team camp.
