SAFA to intervene in Danny Jordaan fraud case and cover legal costs

The South African Football Association (SAFA) says it will intervene in the ongoing criminal proceedings involving its president, Danny Jordaan, and other officials, while covering the legal costs incurred by Jordaan and chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo.

The decision was taken at an ordinary meeting of SAFA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Johannesburg over the weekend, as the association outlined its official position on the case being heard at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Jordaan, Hluyo, Grit Communications director Trevor Neethling and former SAFA chief executive Russel Paul have been asked to address allegations of theft, corruption and fraud in proceedings that have been ongoing for two years.

However, SAFA insists that it never lodged a complaint with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Hawks or any other authority in connection with the matter.

In a statement, the association said its chief executive, Lydia Monyepao, had written to the court in December 2024 to clarify that SAFA was not a complainant in the proceedings.

According to the association, the letter also stated that the individuals who brought the complaint were disgruntled former NEC members and employees acting in their personal capacities, without the legal authority to represent SAFA.

SAFA further pointed to its unqualified audit reports covering the period under investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), as well as subsequent audit periods.

The association’s NEC has resolved to submit a detailed written statement in the criminal proceedings to refute allegations of wrongdoing against Jordaan, Hluyo and former acting chief executive Paul.

SAFA also plans to institute civil action against individuals it believes have brought the association into disrepute or damaged the reputations of the organisation and its officials.

As part of the resolutions, SAFA will cover all legal costs incurred by Jordaan and Hluyo, including expenses accumulated to date.

The association will also appoint an attorney and Senior Counsel to attend future court proceedings on a watching brief.

The developments mark SAFA’s latest move to distance the organisation from the legal proceedings and defend the officials named in the case.

The allegations remain subject to the ongoing court process, and SAFA’s position does not in itself determine the outcome of the criminal proceedings.