SAFA explains delay in paying World Cup bonuses to Bafana Bafana players

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has explained the delay in paying Bafana Bafana players and members of the technical team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Reports went rife that a chunk of the players who represented South Africa at the global showpiece are furious with the South African FA and are said to be demanding their bonuses ahead of the commencement of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.

However, South African football authorities has given reasons for the delay in settling bonuses owed players and technical team at large.

As per the FA, the non-payment of bonuses is linked to outstanding international tax compliance requirements in the United States and Mexico.

“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,” SAFA said in a statement.

“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.”

According to the football governing body, only the World Cup-related bonuses remain outstanding, with payment dependent on the completion of the necessary tax procedures.

“The outstanding payments relate specifically to FWC26 bonuses which will be processed once the applicable tax requirements have been concluded.”

SAFA assured the players and the public that it is working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible and remains committed to ensuring that all legitimate bonuses are eventually paid.

“SAFA is committed to finalising the process as expeditiously as possible and ensuring that all legitimate bonuses are paid.”

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over reports of player dissatisfaction, with the association now insisting that the outstanding payments are being delayed by administrative and international tax requirements rather than any internal financial dispute.