Bafana AFCON bonuses won’t go to SAFA executives

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has assured the public that the body’s executives won’t be taking a cut of the bonus payment that Bafana Bafana secured at the Africa Cup of Nations

Safa insist that they will make a full account of how the funds are spent to CAF.

SAFA EXECUTIVES NOT GETTING A CUT OF BAFANA BONUS

Following payment of the players bonuses, SAFA says the money will be used to develop the game at grassroots level.

“The remaining funds will be utilised in the further development of football,” the statement from SAFA reads. 

“As previously stated, our junior national teams are not sponsored and rely heavily on the senior national teams for funding to help with access to more preparation camps and competitive fixtures. 

“The funds are not intended for members of the national executive committee of the Association or any SAFA staff.

“We as SAFA account to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the money that is awarded by the continental body.

“The SAFA CFO will be responsible for effecting payments to the players’ bank accounts on receipt of funds from CAF. 

“The SAFA CEO, who is the Accounting officer of the Association, will ensure and confirm that payment is made to the players as agreed upon.

“Both the CEO and CFO will account to CAF on the use of the funds received.”

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SAFA would not reveal what bonus payments would be made to players.

They denied pre-tournament reports of a no-win no-bonus situation.

BAFANA BAFANA BONUSES A SECRET

The federation would only say that they had agreed a bonus structure with players prior to the tournament.

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SAFA adds that both parties were happy with this arrangement.

“The South African Football Association (SAFA) has noted with concern reports claiming that Bafana Bafana may not be paid their bonuses after finishing third at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire,” their statement adds.

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“We wish to confirm that a contract was signed between the Association and the senior players representing the team where the payments and bonuses were agreed upon, depending on the team’s performance in the tournament, details of which remain confidential.

“This agreement was confirmed before the team departed for AFCON and all the parties were happy.”

Hugo Broos’ squad secured the bronze medal last weekend after besting the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties.

The trip to Ivory Coast has restored some faith in the team’s direction. Broos has reportedly agreed to stay on as coach as well.

Prior to the tournament, reports claimed that SAFA insiders said the only bonus available to players was for winning the tournament. Claims made put the amount at R7 million collectively.

WAITING ON CAF

SAFA verified that the players had not yet been paid their bonuses. However the association is awaiting payment of tournament bonuses from CAF.

“We further highlight that the payments and bonuses as agreed with the players will be paid when the prize monies are received from the Confederations of African Football (CAF).”