Under increasing scrutiny and allegations of fraud, Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association (Safa), was arrested recently on serious charges involving the misuse of R1.3 million of Safa’s funds. Jordaan, 73, alongside two others, is accused of diverting resources intended for the organization for personal use, including hiring private security and public relations services without the board’s approval.
The arrest took place on November 13, 2024, and Jordaan is facing the legal system after years of speculation around his financial management. This latest arrest was connected to evidence seized during a five-hour raid conducted by the Hawks back in March at Safa’s headquarters. The authorities took away several items, including laptops, hard drives, and documents, which were part of the investigation leading to the warrants for Jordaan and his co-accused, Gronie Hluyo, Safa’s chief financial officer, and businessman Trevor Neethling.
According to the Hawks’ spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, the fraudulent activity reportedly occurred between 2014 and 2018. Specifically, it’s alleged Jordaan not only misappropriated funds but also compromised Safa’s statutes, causing the association significant financial damage. The timing of his actions raised eyebrows, particularly due to the backdrop of allegations made by former ANC MP Jennifer Ferguson, who accused him of rape, prompting Jordaan to hire public relations assistance for damage control.
The storm surrounding Jordaan’s administration isn’t entirely new. Since taking office, he has faced numerous allegations, including inadequate management of funds stemming back to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which South Africa hosted. Even amid these swirling accusations, Jordaan has consistently maintained his innocence, often attributing the fallout to disgruntled former allies and critics within the organization.
Jordaan’s legal troubles intensified following claims by Willie Mooka, a former Safa NEC (National Executive Committee) member, who filed complaints against him back in 2020. While Mooka stated it was never his intention to escalate the matter legally, he felt compelled to pursue the claims after being thwarted by Jordaan and his allies when trying to address alleged mismanagement internally.
Upon his brief court appearance, Jordaan pleaded not guilty to all charges alongside his co-accused, and all three were granted bail set at R20,000 each. Their next court date is scheduled for December 5, 2024, where they will face the full extent of the prosecution's case.
This arrest has sparked renewed discussions around the management of Safa and the questionable decisions made under Jordaan's leadership. An anonymous document has recently circulated, elaborately detailing numerous allegations of mismanagement, which include conflicts over team remuneration prior to significant international tournaments. During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup preparations, players had to endure threats of bans from the organization over demands for fair pay, only resolving issues following intervention from the Motsepe Foundation.
Also noteworthy is Safa's recent press conference aimed at discrediting the claims made against the organization and their president. Tankiso Modipa, the head of Safa’s safety and security protocol committee, expressed concerns about how these accusations were affecting the reputation and operational integrity of the association.
Despite these allegations, Jordaan has shown a persistent desire to remain influential within South African football, hinting at aspirations for another term after being re-elected for his third term. With the recent developments, this ambition now hangs precariously as the legal proceedings loom larger over his presidency.
The arrest of Danny Jordaan has not only sent shockwaves through the football community but also raised broader questions about governance within sports organizations and the accountability mechanisms they implement. The outcomes of the legal process will be closely monitored not only by football fans but also by the stakeholders connected to South Africa's sports management framework.
