Safa President Danny Jordaan Granted Bail in Fraud Investigation

Danny Jordaan, who has served as president of the South African Football Association (Safa) since 2013, has been released on bail following allegations that he used the organization’s funds for personal benefit. The Hawks, the nation’s organised crime investigation unit, have been investigating claims of fraud and theft within Safa, occurring from 2014 to 2018 and totaling 1.3 million rand ($72,000, £57,000). It is alleged that Jordaan engaged a private security firm for his personal safety and a public relations agency without obtaining approval from the Safa board. The 73-year-old, recognized for his significant role in securing the 2010 Fifa World Cup for South Africa and serving as Safa president since 2013, was apprehended on Wednesday and presented before the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Johannesburg. Gronie Hluyo, Safa’s chief financial officer, and Trevor Neethling, a businessman, who were present in court with Jordaan, also received bail. The trio was cautioned against communicating with potential state witnesses who might provide testimony against them, and the proceedings were postponed until December 5. Jordaan reportedly submitted a court application on Tuesday, including an affidavit asserting his innocence, in an effort to prevent his apprehension by the Hawks. In March, the unit conducted a raid on Safa’s offices in Johannesburg, seizing a laptop, USB drives, external hard drives, and various documents. An official from Safa informed BBC Sport Africa that he possessed no additional information regarding the matter. Jordaan has encountered increasing examination amidst persistent claims of mismanagement and corruption within South African football, yet he has upheld his innocence and is reportedly pursuing a fourth term as Safa president. Detractors of Jordaan have urged his resignation, citing the men’s national team’s inability to qualify for a World Cup since 2010 and the decline of the nation’s grassroots football infrastructure.