SAFA to cover legal costs for Danny Jordaan amid theft, fraud and corruption case

SAFA will pay the legal bills of president Danny Jordaan and chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo as they face allegations of theft, fraud and corruption at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

The decision was taken at an ordinary National Executive Committee meeting in Johannesburg at the weekend, where SAFA also resolved to support both officials throughout the ongoing legal proceedings.

The case, which has been before the court for two years, also involves former SAFA chief executive Russell Paul and Grit Communications director Trevor Neethling.

SAFA said it had not lodged a complaint against Jordaan or Hluyo and rejected the suggestion that the association was the complainant in the matter.

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

“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.”

Jordaan, Hluyo and Paul have been accused of looting funds from the football association. However, SAFA said those claims could not be justified because it had repeatedly received clean financial audits.

“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.

The NEC also agreed that SAFA would formally put its position before the court by intervening in the criminal proceedings.

“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.”

The organisation said its support for Jordaan and Hluyo would also include action against people it believes have brought SAFA and its officials into disrepute.

SAFA confirmed that it would cover all legal expenses incurred by Jordaan and Hluyo so far, as well as costs arising from the continued case.

It also intends to appoint legal representation to monitor the proceedings.

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