The South African Football Association (SAFA) has explained the delay in paying bonuses to Bafana Bafana players linked to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. According to SAFA, outstanding tax requirements in the United States and Mexico, the tournament's co-hosts alongside Canada, have held up the disbursement of the funds. The association indicated that resolving these tax obligations is necessary before the bonuses can be released to the players and technical team.
AI summary. Verify with the original source.
Listen
Unlock audio summaries, audio summaries, AI chat, Wikipedia facts, and ad-free reading.
$3.99 / month · cancel anytime
Go PremiumBackground facts
Unlock wikipedia facts, audio summaries, AI chat, Wikipedia facts, and ad-free reading.
$3.99 / month · cancel anytime
Go PremiumSimilar stories

The South African Football Association (Safa) says bonuses owed to players from the national team's World Cup campaign have been delayed because of foreign tax regulations. In a statement, the association said it is required to comply with applicable federal and state tax laws in the United States, as well as Mexican tax legislation, before the payments can be processed. Safa indicated the regulatory requirements are holding up the disbursement of the bonuses.
TimesLIVE·September 7, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Former Bafana Bafana player Simphiwe Zungu has reportedly given the South African Football Association a deadline to pay players their 2026 Fifa World Cup bonuses, threatening unspecified action if it fails to comply. According to Sowetan, Safa has not paid the bonuses almost two months after the tournament ended, despite Fifa having transferred the funds to the association about six weeks ago.
Sowetan·September 7, 2026 at 1:54 PMSAFA presidential candidate Sandile Zungu has issued a warning ahead of the association's elections, threatening to dismiss officials responsible if Bafana Bafana players and technical staff do not receive their promised 2026 World Cup bonuses. According to IOL, Zungu made the remarks as part of his campaign, framing the unpaid bonuses as a matter of accountability within South African football's governing body. The dispute highlights ongoing concerns over player remuneration and governance at SAFA.
IOL·September 7, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Bafana Bafana achieved a historic milestone by defeating South Korea in Monterrey, securing their place in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The South African·June 25, 2026 at 2:57 AM
Bafana Bafana made history by advancing to the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time, following a 1-0 victory over South Korea in their final Group A match, according to The South African.
The South African·June 25, 2026 at 2:57 AM
The South African national football team, known as Bafana Bafana, achieved a historic milestone by defeating South Korea and finishing second to Mexico in Group A of the World Cup, thereby advancing to the last 32 of the tournament. This marks a significant achievement for the team in the competition.
Sowetan·June 25, 2026 at 3:03 AM