By Association confirms standard allowances and fees are settled, while specialist legal teams navigate US and Mexican tax legislation to release remaining funds.
JOHANNESBURG — The South African Football Association (SAFA) has moved to address mounting scrutiny over unpaid World Cup bonuses, citing complex multi-jurisdictional tax regulations across the United States and Mexico as the primary cause for the delay in compensating Bafana Bafana players and technical staff.
In an official statement released on Monday, 7 September 2026, the national governing body clarified that while all regular match allowances, daily fees, and operational expenses incurred during the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign have been paid in full, performance-based tournament bonuses remain tied up in mandatory international tax compliance.
With World Cup fixtures distributed across North American hosts, SAFA highlighted that it is legally bound to satisfy complex federal and state tax frameworks in the United States, alongside statutory tax obligations in Mexico. To navigate these requirements without breaching FIFA rules or international fiscal laws, the association appointed specialized legal and accounting advisors in both host nations.
“As matches were played in both countries, SAFA is required to comply with the applicable federal and state tax laws in the USA, as well as Mexican tax legislation,” the association stated. “Given the complexity of these requirements, SAFA, in line with FIFA’s guidance, appointed specialist legal and tax advisers in both jurisdictions.”
Addressing progress made on the financial clearance front, SAFA confirmed it has successfully registered with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and secured an official Employer Identification Number (EIN). American tax consultants are currently finalizing calculations and tax filings, while a parallel process is under way to settle obligations with Mexican revenue authorities.
Although a portion of FIFA’s official World Cup prize money has already landed in SAFA’s coffers, football leadership maintained that outstanding bonus disbursements cannot legally occur until cross-border tax liabilities are cleared. The association reaffirmed its commitment to settling all legitimate bonuses as soon as the paperwork receives final clearance.
Key Points: SAFA Financial Update
- Settled Funds: All player match fees, daily allowances, and staff operational expenses are fully paid.
- Pending Payments: FWC26 performance bonuses are held pending tax clearance.
- Regulatory Progress: IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) secured; US & Mexican tax calculations undergoing final review.
Alongside the financial update, SAFA directed sharp criticism toward domestic media outlets, expressing frustration over tight inquiry deadlines regarding financial matters. The association claimed that short turnarounds prevent thorough consultation on intricate legal and financial subjects, leading to premature speculation.
“Publishing allegations or incomplete information without allowing sufficient time for a response is misleading the public and unfairly damages SAFA’s reputation,” the statement read, calling for media houses to allow reasonable timeframes to ensure balanced reporting.
While the delay will test the patience of Bafana Bafana’s squad, SAFA insists the resolution is in its final stages, promising that players and support staff will receive their full entitlements as soon as North American tax authorities grant clearance
