The South African Football Association (SAFA) has attributed delays in paying Bafana Bafana players and support staff their 2026 FIFA World Cup (FWC26) bonuses to outstanding international tax compliance requirements in the United States and Mexico.
SAFA said in a statement on Monday the bonuses have not been withheld because of a lack of funds, but because the association is still required to comply with federal and state tax laws in the US, as well as Mexican tax legislation, following matches played in both countries.
The association said it had appointed specialist legal and tax advisers in the two jurisdictions in line with guidance from FIFA to ensure that the relevant obligations are properly addressed.
“Significant progress has been made,” SAFA said, adding that it had obtained an Employer Identification Number from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
According to SAFA, its US-based specialists are now finalising the necessary tax calculations and documentation, while the process of settling the applicable Mexican tax obligations is also nearing completion.
SAFA confirmed that it has already received a portion of the FWC26 prize money.
The association stressed that all allowances, fees and other amounts owed to the players and support staff have been paid.
“The outstanding payments relate specifically to FWC26 bonuses which will be processed once the applicable tax requirements have been concluded,” SAFA said.
The association said it remained committed to completing the process as quickly as possible and paying all legitimate bonuses owed to the Bafana Bafana players and support staff.
The clarification comes amid growing scrutiny over the outstanding World Cup-related bonuses and the circumstances surrounding the delay.
SAFA also took aim at what it described as the practice by some media organisations of sending inquiries at the last minute and imposing deadlines that do not provide sufficient time for the association to investigate complex matters and formulate a considered response.
While acknowledging the media’s role in holding organisations accountable, SAFA said responsible reporting required journalists to provide reasonable opportunities for comment.
The association argued that financial and international tax matters can require consultation with specialists before an accurate response can be provided.
“Publishing allegations or incomplete information without allowing sufficient time for a response is misleading the public and unfairly damages SAFA’s reputation,” the association said.
