SAFA has moved to clarify why Bafana Bafana players and support staff are still waiting on their bonuses from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pointing to outstanding tax compliance requirements in the United States and Mexico, where South Africa’s matches were played.
The association said it has appointed specialist legal and tax advisers in both countries, in line with FIFA guidance, given the complexity of navigating separate federal, state and Mexican tax legislation.
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Progress has been made, including securing an Employer Identification Number from the US Internal Revenue Service, with tax calculations and documentation now being finalised in both jurisdictions.
SAFA confirmed that a portion of the World Cup prize money has already been received, and that all standard allowances, fees and other payments due to players and staff have been settled.
Only the tournament-specific bonuses remain outstanding, pending the tax process being concluded.
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The association also pushed back against what it described as media houses submitting last-minute queries with unreasonable deadlines on the matter, saying this doesn’t allow enough time to properly consult and respond on complex financial issues, and called for more responsible engagement from journalists covering the story.
Photo: Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
