South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan has been released on bail following his arrest on allegations of misusing the organisation’s funds for personal gain. The country’s organised crime investigation unit, the Hawks, is investigating claims of fraud and theft involving 1.3 million rand ($72,000, £57,000) at Safa between 2014 and 2018.
Jordaan is accused of hiring a private security firm for his personal protection and a public relations company without approval from the Safa board. The 73-year-old, who played a pivotal role in securing South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has led Safa since 2013, appeared in Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Also released on bail were Safa’s chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, who were charged alongside Jordaan. The three men were warned not to contact potential state witnesses, and the case has been adjourned until December 5.
Ahead of his arrest, Jordaan reportedly filed an application to block the Hawks’ action, denying any wrongdoing. In March, the Hawks conducted a raid on Safa’s Johannesburg offices, seizing a laptop, USBs, external hard drives, and documents as part of the investigation.
Jordaan has faced increasing scrutiny over allegations of corruption and mismanagement within South African football, despite his denials. Critics have called for his resignation, pointing to the national men’s team’s failure to qualify for a World Cup since 2010 and the decline of the country’s grassroots football infrastructure. Jordaan is reportedly seeking a fourth term as Safa president.