South Africa's government and football federation have denied the payment was a bribe.

We are denied the payment of praise: it has ceased to have any value.

Donegal deputy Thomas Pringle said he had been inundated with distressed people contacting him after being denied the payment.

Speaking before the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight, Mr Donohoe denied the payment would be sacrificed to pay for water charge refunds.