Bafana Bafana World Cup bonuses delayed by US and Mexico tax checks, says SAFA

The South African Football Association (SAFA) says unpaid 2026 FIFA World Cup bonuses for Bafana Bafana players and support staff are being held up by outstanding tax compliance requirements in the United States and Mexico.

SAFA issued the explanation on Monday after concerns grew over the delay. The association was also criticised publicly by presidential candidate Sandile Zungu, who demanded that the money be paid and warned that those responsible could face action.

The footballers and support staff played matches in both the US and Mexico during their World Cup campaign. SAFA said that meant it had to meet tax obligations in both countries before the bonuses could be distributed.

“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,” the association said.

SAFA said it had appointed specialist legal and tax advisers in both jurisdictions, following guidance from FIFA. It said the process was complicated by the different tax requirements that apply in the two countries.

The association said work to resolve the issue had progressed. It has obtained an Employer Identification Number from the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS), while its specialists in the US are completing the required tax calculations and documentation.

SAFA also said the process of settling its Mexican tax obligations was close to completion.

The association stressed that the delay applies only to the World Cup bonuses and does not affect other money owed to the national team players and support staff.

“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 continued.

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

Zungu had described the failure to pay the bonuses as “embarrassing”, arguing that the players should not have to wait for money promised in recognition of their performances at the tournament.

He also warned that SAFA executives responsible for the delay would be required to account for their actions if he were elected president.

The dispute has added pressure on SAFA ahead of its elective congress on 12 September. Zungu is due to challenge incumbent president Danny Jordaan at the election.

SAFA said it remained committed to paying the bonuses and was working to complete the outstanding procedures as quickly as possible. However, it did not give a specific date for when the payments would appear in the players’ accounts.

The association said all legitimate amounts due would be paid after the US and Mexican tax requirements had been completed. Attention will now focus on how quickly SAFA can finalise those obligations and release the bonuses to the players and staff who helped Bafana Bafana make history at the tournament.

Jordaan was pictured addressing supporters during a Bafana Bafana World Cup send-off ceremony alongside former coach Hugo Broos and players.