Danny Jordaan, president of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and a key figure behind South Africa‘s successful 2010 FIFA World Cup bid, was arrested Wednesday on charges of fraud and theft.
Authorities allege he misused SAFA’s funds for personal gain, totaling 1.3 million rand (approximately $72,000), according to a police report.
Jordaan, 73, appeared in court in Johannesburg, where he denied the accusations.
According to AFP, the charges stem from alleged misconduct between 2014 and 2018, during which Jordaan is accused of unauthorized use of SAFA resources.
The police statement claims he hired a private security firm for personal protection and engaged a public relations company without SAFA board approval.
He was arrested “following an intensive investigation by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based in Johannesburg into allegations of R1.3 million fraud and theft,” police said.
The PR firm’s involvement is said to be linked to Jordaan’s response to a 2017 scandal when a South African singer and former lawmaker accused him of sexual assault dating back 25 years, an allegation he firmly denied.
Jordaan’s arrest follows a thorough investigation by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Johannesburg.
Joining Jordaan in facing these charges are SAFA’s chief financial officer, Gronie Hluyo, and Trevor Neethling, head of the communications company implicated in the case. 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.
