Danny Jordaan, President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), was arrested on Wednesday in Johannesburg and charged with fraud and theft involving the misuse of the organization’s resources. The charges relate to a sum totaling 1.3 million rand (approximately $72,000), according to South African police.
Jordaan, 73, who gained international recognition for leading South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, appeared in court to deny the allegations.
“The allegations are that between 2014 and 2018, the president of SAFA used the organisation’s resources for his personal benefit,” read a police statement.
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The charges claim Jordaan improperly hired a private security company to protect himself and also contracted a public relations firm without obtaining the necessary approval from SAFA’s board. The PR firm was allegedly brought on board after Jordaan faced damage to his reputation following accusations of sexual assault made by a South African singer and former lawmaker in 2017. Jordaan has consistently denied these allegations.
Police confirmed that Jordaan’s arrest followed “an intensive investigation by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based in Johannesburg into allegations of R1.3 million fraud and theft.”
Alongside Jordaan, SAFA’s Chief Financial Officer, Gronie Hluyo, and businessman Trevor Neethling, head of the implicated communications firm, were also arrested. Both Hluyo and Neethling, like Jordaan, denied any wrongdoing. All three men have since been released on bail.
Jordaan has served as SAFA’s president since 2013 and was re-elected to a third term in 2022. His leadership of the association, especially during the World Cup bid, has made him a prominent figure in South African and international football. However, these serious charges have cast a shadow over his long career in the sport.
The case has sparked widespread public interest in South Africa, with questions being raised about governance and accountability within SAFA. Some football fans and commentators have voiced disappointment at the accusations.
“It is disheartening to see these kinds of allegations tarnish the leadership of one of South Africa’s key sporting organizations,” said a local sports analyst.