South African football is embroiled in another controversy, with reports revealing Bafana Bafana players and members of the technical team are still waiting for their 2026 FIFA World Cup bonuses, nearly two months after the tournament concluded.
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According to Sunday World, the players and staff have not yet received their World Cup bonuses, despite an unnamed source from the team claiming the South African Football Association (SAFA) has already received the money. The report also suggested that players are contemplating a go-slow ahead of their next national team camp.
The reports have placed SAFA under renewed pressure, particularly because the association had previously faced criticism over delayed payments involving South African national teams.
Players allegedly owed millions
Sunday World reported that players were promised approximately R2.5 million each after Bafana Bafana progressed to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. With a squad of 26 players, the publication put the total player bonus allocation at approximately R65 million.
The publication further reported that FIFA had transferred funds to SAFA after the tournament and that players were unhappy after being told that their bonuses would be paid.
The allegations have sparked questions about why the players have reportedly had to wait so long for money linked to their World Cup campaign.
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SAFA explains why the bonuses are delayed
SAFA has since responded to the reports, saying the delay is not because the association has refused to pay the players.
According to IOL, SAFA said the outstanding World Cup bonuses are delayed because of international tax compliance requirements in the United States and Mexico. Bafana played matches in both countries during the 2026 World Cup, resulting in tax obligations that SAFA must address before the bonuses can be processed.
SAFA also said it has appointed specialist legal and tax advisers in both jurisdictions to deal with the matter.
The association also confirmed that it has obtained an Employer Identification Number from the United States Internal Revenue Service, while specialists continue working on the required calculations and documentation. SAFA maintains that the outstanding issue relates specifically to World Cup bonuses.
Some payments have been settled
IOL reports that SAFA also noted that a portion of the 2026 World Cup prize money has already been received and that allowances, fees and other amounts owed to players and support staff have been settled.
The bonuses, according to SAFA, will be processed once the relevant international tax requirements have been completed.
The association has not, however, given a specific date for when the outstanding bonuses will be paid. The focus will now be on how quickly the tax processes can be completed and when the players and technical staff will finally receive the bonuses they are owed.
Also see: Pitso Mosimane’s alleged salary talks with SAFA settled
Featured image: X/@iDiskiTimes
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