FIFA extends deadline for PSL clubs to claim 2026 World Cup funds

PSL clubs have been given more time to complete the registration and verification process required to access millions of rands from FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Club Benefits Programme.

FIFA has moved the deadline for clubs to register on its online platform and review their preliminary player-release lists from 10 September to 2 October 2026.

The extension provides a lifeline to clubs in the Betway Premiership that had yet to comply with the governing body’s requirements. The process must be completed before funds can be distributed through the relevant member associations.

All but one of the clubs in this season’s Betway Premiership are expected to receive money from the programme.

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are set to be the biggest domestic beneficiaries after both clubs had eight players each involved in the tournament. Their earnings, including payments linked to the qualifying matches, are estimated to reach about R50m each.

Kaizer Chiefs, Sekhukhune United, Polokwane City, AmaZulu, Stellenbosch, Golden Arrows, TS Galaxy, Richards Bay, Durban City, Chippa United, Kruger United, Siwelele and Marumo Gallants are also expected to receive a share.

Milford are the only club in the division not due to receive money from FIFA because they had no players involved in either the qualifying campaign or the tournament itself.

Pirates and Sundowns will collect the largest amounts because they had the highest representation at the finals. Chiefs, Siwelele and Polokwane City will also benefit from the tournament payment after each club had one player involved.

FIFA has set aside USD250m, approximately R4bn, for clubs under a ‘per player, per day’ system. The minimum payment is estimated at USD5,000, or about R80,000, per player.

Under the FIFA Club Protection Programme, the period used to calculate compensation runs from 25 May until 29 June, the day after Bafana Bafana were eliminated in the last 32.

Qualifying payments also available

The other PSL clubs that qualify for funding will receive their money through player involvement in the qualifying matches. Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Siwelele and Polokwane City will also be eligible for these payments.

The qualifying-match allocation is smaller, with clubs due USD2,362 per player for every qualifying match in which the player was included in the 23-man matchday squad.

That fund contains USD100m, approximately R1.6bn, to be distributed among eligible clubs.

Clubs must complete an online registration and validation process to receive the money. Payments are expected to be made through the clubs’ member associations before the end of 2026, subject to applicable tax.

FIFA confirmed the revised timetable in a circular sent on Wednesday to member associations and other organisations affiliated to the governing body.

‘The deadline for clubs to register on the platform and complete the review of their preliminary release list has been extended from 10 September to 2 October 2026.

‘Member Associations: As a result of the deadline extension for clubs, the review period for Member Associations has been postponed and will run from 5 October to 13 November 2026.

‘The final review by the FIFA administration will follow once both phases have been completed,’ the circular said.

The changes mean clubs that had not yet completed their submissions have additional time to validate the release of players and remain eligible for the relevant FIFA payments.