FIFA World Cup: Brazil, Argentina wanted millions to play Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed how they were unable to secure high-profile opponents for this FIFA international break.

Broos’ men will face Panama in back-to-back matches as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Bafana Bafana will host Panama in Durban on 27 March, before playing them again in Cape Town three days later.

And the South African Football Association (SAFA) received a backlash as to why Bafana Bafana could not secure high-profile opponents.

Now, according to Broos, both Brazil and Argentina were keen to play Bafana Bafana, but they wanted millions of Rands to come to South Africa.

Brazil asked for a fee in the region of R84 million while Argentina wanted around R97 million just to play with Bafana Bafana.

Broos believes ticket prices for those two matches – Brazil and Argentina – would have cost nothing below R800 to recover the money charged.

And he doesn’t think it’s viable for either SAFA or the majority of football fans in South Africa.

All Bafana Bafana players are in already in camp for the Panama matches, including the seven who are plying their trade abroad.

FIFA WORLD CUP: BRAZIL, ARGENTINA WANTED MILLIONS TO FACE BAFANA BAFANA

“Normally, the best scenario would be to play against an Asian team, a middle American team and a European team. Lydia [Monyepao], the CEO, said Brazil want to play against us, and I said, ‘Very good, why not?’ They asked for $5 million [R84 million] to come. A few months ago, Argentina also wanted to play against us in Johannesburg… €5 million [R97 million],” Broos told reporters.

“I know for European teams it’s easier because the money is there, but we don’t have that money. And even if you go play Argentina or Brazil at FNB Stadium, people are on the roof if you want [full capacity].

“You know, if Brazil comes to Belgium, the cheapest ticket should be R800, €40. That’s the cheapest. You can’t ask that in South Africa. Nobody will pay R800 for a ticket. You could invite those teams because, with 90 000 people, you never lose money if you can charge those ticket prices. Again, I am happy with Panama, and I hope we find an opponent for the end of May,” added Broos.

WHO ARE PANAMA?

Panama is a North American country, and they are under the CONCACAF, and will be making only their second FIFA World Cup appearance this year.

They first qualified for the global showpiece in 2018, and their national team has been on the rise since then.

Panama is currently ranked 33 in the world by FIFA, meaning they are not necessarily a team Bafana Bafana can afford to undermine.