How $5 million denied South Africa of high-profile friendlies against Brazil and Argentina

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed that financial barriers prevented a high-profile friendly between South Africa and five-time world champions Brazil.

Despite mutual interest in the fixture, the staggering costs associated with hosting elite international teams proved insurmountable for the South African Football Association (SAFA).

According to Broos, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) requested an appearance fee of $5 million to bring the Seleção to South African soil.

The Belgian tactician explained that while he is eager to test his squad against the world’s best, the commercial reality of such a match is currently unfeasible for the local federation.

Broos noted that Brazil was not the only powerhouse to approach SAFA; world champions Argentina also enquired about a Johannesburg friendly but demanded a similar fee of €5 million.

The coach highlighted the logistical and economic burden such fees would place on the public.

Broos argued that such pricing is far beyond the reach of the average South African football fan, making the venture a significant financial risk.

He emphasized that the goal is to grow the game locally, and hosting a match that most supporters cannot afford to attend would be counterproductive.

Instead of pursuing the South American giants, SAFA opted for more sustainable alternatives. South Africa will instead face Panama in back-to-back friendlies to prepare for their 2026 World Cup qualifying opener against Mexico.

While these matches still involve costs, Broos confirmed they are far more manageable within the current budget.

Read full quotes below

“We have to play against a Middle American team because their style is totally different.”

“Normally, the best scenario is that you can play against an Asian team, a Middle American team, and a European team. But I talked to Lydia, the CEO, a few minutes ago, and she told me that Brazil wanted to play against us at home. I said, ‘Oh, very good, why not?’ They wanted to play in May, but they asked for $5 million to come. A few months ago, Argentina also wanted to play against us in Johannesburg and they wanted €5 million.

“You understand, it’s easy to say ‘why not’. So, Panama is coming for free, or rather, we have to pay not only for the trip but also some money to play two games. SAFA made a big effort to have Panama.

“Now, we’ll see what we can get, either an Asian team or a European team for May. I know it’s easier with European teams because the money is there, but we don’t have that money.

“If you go play against Argentina or Brazil in FNB, it’s full, people are on the roof. When Brazil plays in Belgium, the cheapest ticket is R800, which is €40. In South Africa, nobody will pay R800 for a ticket. If that were possible, you could invite those teams because with 90,000 people, you never lose money when you can ask those prices for tickets.

“Again, I’m very happy with Panama, and I hope we can find an opponent for May, either Asian or European. It doesn’t matter, but we don’t have other choices because our preparation will be totally different from the majority of teams in the World Cup. We have to adapt to high altitude, so between June 1st and June 11th, we can play a game.”