Danny Jordaan Arrested: The Fall of a Football Titan Amidst Fraud and Theft Charges

In a turn of events that could mark the undoing of one of South African football's longstanding figures, Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Amidst charges of fraud and theft, amounting to a considerable R1.3 million, the 73-year-old Jordaan was arrested along with SAFA’s chief of finance, Gronie Hluyo, and an unnamed 46-year-old businessman.

This development comes on the heels of a significant operation by the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, which saw them raid SAFA’s Nasrec headquarters back in March 2024. Although Jordaan denounced the raid as "illegal and unlawful" at the time, it appears to have provided the Hawks with sufficient evidence to mount a case.

According to the spokesperson for the Hawks, Katlego Mogale, the charges stem from allegations that Jordaan misappropriated SAFA funds for personal benefit, including the hiring of both a private security company for personal protection and a public relations firm without the express approval of SAFA's board.

The three accused made a brief court appearance at Palm Ridge, where they each pleaded not guilty and were granted bail at R20,000 each. While the Hawks' March operation was the result of charges laid by Willie Mooka, a former member of SAFA's National Executive Committee (NEC), it has amplified ongoing concerns about governance within South Africa's football fraternity.

Despite the gravity of these allegations, Danny Jordaan has long denied any wrongdoing, suggesting that prior accusations were fueled by disgruntled former members of the association. Even so, the recent circulation of an anonymous document detailing alleged mismanagement at SAFA has only intensified the scrutiny. Among the issues highlighted in this document were the financial troubles faced by the Banyana Banyana players, which required the intervention of the Motsepe Foundation.

The unfolding saga casts a shadow over Jordaan's tenure and his prospective ambitions for a fourth term as SAFA president, a position he has held since 2013. With a court return scheduled for December 5, the football community awaits further developments in this troubling case of alleged malfeasance at the apex of South African football governance.