South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan Arrested on Fraud and Theft Charges
Authorities in South Africa have arrested Danny Jordaan, the 73-year-old president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), on charges of fraud and theft. The allegations suggest that Jordaan misused SAFA funds for personal gain, totaling approximately $72,000.
Jordaan appeared in court in Johannesburg, where he denied the accusations. The charges are related to alleged misconduct between 2014 and 2018, during which Jordaan is accused of using SAFA resources without proper authorization.
According to police reports, Jordaan hired a private security firm for personal protection and engaged a public relations company without SAFA board approval. The investigation, led by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Johannesburg, uncovered evidence of Jordaan’s alleged misconduct.
The PR firm’s involvement is linked to Jordaan’s response to a 2017 scandal, in which a South African singer and former lawmaker accused him of sexual assault dating back 25 years. Jordaan has consistently denied the allegations.
Jordaan’s arrest marks the culmination of a thorough investigation into allegations of fraud and theft. He has been joined by two other SAFA officials, Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo and Head of Communications Trevor Neethling, who have also been charged. Both Hluyo and Neethling have denied any wrongdoing.
The three men were released on bail as the legal proceedings continue. Jordaan, who has served as SAFA president since 2013 and was re-elected in 2022, maintains his innocence.
