According to different sources, South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan has been released on bail following his arrest on charges of fraud and theft. Jordaan, a key figure in bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa, is accused of misusing approximately R1.3 million ($72,000) of SAFA funds for personal gain between 2014 and 2018.
The allegations claim that Jordaan, 73, used SAFA funds to hire a private security company for personal protection and a public relations firm without obtaining board approval. His arrest on Wednesday came after an investigation by the country’s Hawks unit, South Africa’s organized crime investigation team. In March, the Hawks raided SAFA’s Johannesburg offices, confiscating a laptop, USB drives, external hard drives, and documents as part of their probe into financial misconduct within SAFA.
Jordaan appeared in Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Johannesburg alongside SAFA’s chief financial officer, Gronie Hluyo, and businessman Trevor Neethling, both of whom face similar charges. All three men were released on bail with a warning against contacting potential state witnesses. The court adjourned the case until December 5.
On Tuesday, Jordaan reportedly submitted a court application and affidavit to block his arrest, denying any involvement in financial misconduct. However, the investigation has intensified scrutiny around his leadership, with critics urging his resignation, citing SAFA’s ongoing issues, including the failure of the men’s national team to qualify for a World Cup since 2010 and declining grassroots football infrastructure.
Jordaan has maintained his innocence amid these allegations and is reportedly considering running for a fourth term as SAFA president. A SAFA representative declined to comment further on the ongoing case.
