Danny Jordaan, president of the South African Football Association (Safa) since 2013 and known for his role in securing the 2010 FIFA World Cup for South Africa, has been arrested over allegations of misusing Safa’s funds for personal purposes.
The arrest follows an investigation by South Africa’s Hawks, the organised crime unit, into fraud and theft at Safa between 2014 and 2018, totaling 1.3 million rand ($72,000, £57,000). In March, Hawks conducted a raid at Safa’s Johannesburg offices, seizing electronic equipment and documents.
Jordaan, 73, is accused of employing a private security company and a public relations firm without board approval. He appeared in Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Johannesburg on Wednesday, alongside Safa’s CFO Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, who were also arrested in connection with the case.
Ahead of his arrest, Jordaan filed a court application on Tuesday, presenting an affidavit to deny any wrongdoing and to block the Hawks’ actions.
An official from Safa declined to provide further details to BBC Sport Africa. Jordaan, who has been facing criticism over alleged mismanagement and corruption in South African football, maintains his innocence and is reportedly seeking a fourth term as Safa president.
Critics have urged Jordaan to step down, highlighting the national men’s team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup since 2010 and the decline of grassroots football infrastructure in the country.