Danny Jordaan and co-accused return to court as SAFA $79,391 fraud case faces delay

The legal troubles surrounding South African football administrator Danny Jordaan have resurfaced, with the South African Football Association (SAFA) president and his co-accused appearing once again before the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court in Ekurhuleni.

Jordaan, alongside SAFA Chief Financial Officer Groni Hluyo and Grit Communications Director Trevor Neethling, is facing charges of theft, fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud linked to alleged financial misconduct within the football governing body.

The trio was arrested in 2024 following allegations that SAFA funds were improperly used, with prosecutors claiming that about $79,391 was diverted in a manner inconsistent with the organisation’s financial protocols.

It is further alleged that Jordaan made use of SAFA resources for personal benefit, a claim he and his co-accused strongly deny.

All three accused are seeking to have the case struck off the court roll, arguing that ongoing legal processes in the High Court must first be resolved.

Their defence team maintains that three separate review applications, set to be heard on 27 April, could have a direct bearing on the validity of the criminal proceedings.

However, the matter faced another setback in court as prosecutors and defence lawyers failed to agree on a trial date during proceedings at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on the East Rand.

The disagreement has effectively pushed the case further into delay, adding another layer of uncertainty to a matter that has already stretched over months.

The state is pressing ahead with its case, insisting that the allegations warrant full trial proceedings, while the defence continues to challenge the foundation of the prosecution’s case.

The next key legal milestone is expected when the High Court hears the pending review applications later this month, a development that could influence whether the matter proceeds to trial or is struck off entirely.