Bafana Bafana World Cup bonuses delayed by US and Mexico tax rules

The South African Football Association (SAFA) says Bafana Bafana players and support staff have not yet received their FIFA World Cup 2026 bonuses because international tax requirements in the United States of America and Mexico remain outstanding.

SAFA said the delay was caused by the complexity of complying with federal and state tax legislation in the two countries where matches were played.

The association issued a statement on Monday afternoon confirming that specialist legal and tax advisers had been appointed in both jurisdictions. The appointments followed guidance from FIFA and are intended to ensure that the bonus payments meet all relevant compliance obligations.

SAFA said it has already secured an Employer Identification Number from the US Internal Revenue Service. American tax specialists are now completing the calculations and documentation required before the relevant payments can be processed.

Work to settle the applicable tax obligations in Mexico is also close to completion, according to the association.

The outstanding issue affects bonuses linked specifically to the 2026 World Cup. SAFA stressed that other payments owed to the squad and support staff have already been made.

“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.”

The association did not give a specific date for when the bonuses would be paid, but said it was working to complete the process as quickly as possible.

The tax arrangements required in the United States and Mexico have created additional administrative work because of the need to account for different national, federal and state regulations. SAFA’s advisers are handling those matters on the association’s behalf.

SAFA also criticised the way some media organisations have sought information about the delay. It said requests had sometimes been submitted shortly before publication deadlines, leaving insufficient time for the association to check the details and prepare a full response.

“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.”

The association said it remained committed to completing the international tax process and paying every legitimate bonus owed to Bafana Bafana players and members of the support staff.