SAFA Clarifies Bafana World Cup Bonus Delay
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that Bafana Bafana players’ bonuses remain unpaid as the association works to ensure international tax compliance in Mexico and the United States.
The delay stems from Bafana Bafana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the USA, where the national team made history under legendary coach Hugo Broos by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
SAFA—set to receive $12 million in prize money for reaching the Round of 32—confirmed that “all allowances, fees, and other amounts due to players and support staff have been settled.” However, the main World Cup bonuses will only be disbursed once cross-border tax compliance is finalized.
In an official statement, SAFA clarified that playing matches across both the USA and Mexico subjects the team’s earnings to federal, state, and local tax legislation in those jurisdictions. In line with FIFA guidance, SAFA appointed specialist legal and tax advisers in both countries to handle the process.
SAFA emphasized its commitment to settling all outstanding bonuses as expeditiously as possible once tax clearances are complete.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) wishes to clarify that the delay in paying Bafana Bafana 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.
As matches were played in both countries, SAFA is required to comply with the applicable federal and state tax laws in the USA, 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.
Significant progress has been made, including SAFA obtaining a US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employer Identification Number.
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 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 outstanding payments relate specifically to FWC26 bonuses which will be processed once the applicable tax requirements have been concluded.
SAFA is committed to finalising the process as expeditiously as possible and ensuring that all legitimate bonuses are paid.
SAFA is also concerned about the practice by some media houses submitting inquiries at the last minute, accompanied by unrealistic deadlines that do not allow sufficient time for the Association to properly consult and provide a considered response.
While SAFA respects the media’s role and remains committed to transparency, fair and responsible reporting requires a reasonable opportunity for organisations to respond, particularly on complex financial and tax matters. Publishing allegations or incomplete information without allowing sufficient time for a response is misleading the public and unfairly damages SAFA’s reputation.
SAFA calls on the media to engage responsibly and allow reasonable time frames for responses to ensure accurate, balanced and fair reporting.
