Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), has been arrested and charged with using the organization’s resources for personal gain, amounting to 1.3 million rand ($72,000).
Jordaan, who successfully led South Africa’s bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, denied the charges in a Johannesburg court.
The allegations against Jordaan stem from his alleged misuse of SAFA’s resources between 2014 and 2018, including hiring a private security company for his own protection and a public relations company without authorization from the SAFA board.
The public relations firm was reportedly hired after Jordaan’s reputation was damaged by allegations of sexual assault made by a South African singer and former lawmaker in 2017.
Jordaan has, however, denied the allegations.
Jordaan’s arrest follows an intensive investigation by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit based in Johannesburg.
The investigation was launched after a criminal case was opened against Jordaan by William Mooka, a former vice president of SAFA.
As SAFA president since 2013, Jordaan has been a prominent figure in South African football; his re-election for a third term in 2022 was seen as a testament to his influence and leadership within the organization.
However, these allegations and subsequent arrest have cast a shadow over his legacy and raised questions about his stewardship of SAFA.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also taken notice of the allegations and has launched its own investigation into Jordaan’s conduct.
CAF has requested that SAFA provide a report indicating that Jordaan did not violate CAF and FIFA statutes and regulations.
The outcome of these investigations will likely have significant implications for Jordaan’s future as SAFA president and his role in South African football.
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