South African FA backs Danny Jordaan, vows to pay legal bills amid corruption and fraud case

The South African Football Association (Safa) has thrown its weight behind president Danny Jordaan amid his ongoing criminal case, confirming it will cover all legal costs incurred by him and chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo.

The association also insists it is not a complainant in the case, which has been before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court for two years and involves allegations of theft, corruption and fraud against Jordaan, Hluyo, former Safa chief executive Russell Paul and Grit Communications director Trevor Neethling.

Safa’s position follows an ordinary meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) in Johannesburg over the weekend, where members resolved to support Jordaan and Hluyo as the legal proceedings continue.

Safa disputes complainants’ authority

In a statement following the meeting, Safa said it had not lodged a complaint against Jordaan, citing correspondence its chief executive, Lydia Monyepao, sent to the court in December 2024.

“Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao wrote a letter to the court in December 2024 stating that Safa was never a complainant,” the statement read.

“The letter further stated that the complainants are disgruntled former Safa NEC members and employees who have no legal right to represent Safa in the proceedings. They have done so in their personal capacity outside the ambit of Safa.”

The association maintained that the individuals who initiated the complaint acted in their personal capacities rather than on behalf of the federation.

Safa said the NEC had resolved to formally intervene in the proceedings by submitting a detailed written statement disputing allegations of wrongdoing against Jordaan, Hluyo and Paul, the association’s former acting chief executive.

“The NEC further resolved that Safa shall intervene in the criminal proceedings by making a detailed written statement refuting any wrongdoing on the part of the president, the CFO, and former acting CEO, Mr. Russell Paul.”

Federation cites clean financial audits

Safa also challenged claims that the individuals involved had looted funds from the association, pointing to its financial audit record during the period under investigation and subsequent years.

The federation said it had consistently received unqualified audit opinions, which it cited in support of its position on the allegations.

“It is worth adding that Safa received unqualified audits for the period of this investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority and the subsequent audit period to date,” the statement added.

However, the association’s reference to its audit history represents its position on the matter and does not, in itself, determine the outcome of the criminal proceedings or establish whether the allegations against the accused are substantiated.

The case continues to involve allegations of theft, corruption and fraud, with the accused required to answer the charges before the court.

Safa to cover legal costs and monitor proceedings

Beyond its planned court intervention, Safa has confirmed it will pay all legal expenses incurred by Jordaan and Hluyo to date.

The association has also resolved to take action against individuals it believes bring the organisation and its officials into disrepute, signalling a broader response to criticism surrounding the case.

Safa further announced plans to appoint an attorney and Senior Counsel to monitor the proceedings on its behalf.

“Finally, Safa shall appoint an attorney and Senior Counsel to attend the proceedings on a watching brief going forward,” the statement concluded.

The decision places the federation firmly behind its president and chief financial officer as the case continues at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

While Safa has outlined its intention to challenge allegations of wrongdoing and support the officials financially, the criminal proceedings remain a separate process in which the court will consider the matters before it.