The South African Football Association (SAFA) was plunged deeper into crisis on Wednesday after the Hawks arrested the organisation’s former acting CEO on charges of fraud connected to SAFA president Danny Jordaan.
According to police, the 64-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday. The case stems from allegations that the former executive conspired to backdate a contract between SAFA and Grit Communications, a public-relations firm hired under questionable circumstances.
Investigators allege that between 2014 and 2018, Jordaan used SAFA funds without proper authorisation for personal benefit, including the hiring of Grit Communications and a private security company.
In a statement, police said:
“The service-level agreement between SAFA and Grit Communications entered into on 1 October 2017 expired on 30 September 2018. Therefore, there was no new service-level agreement entered into between SAFA and Grit Communications during the period of October 2018 and July 2019.”
Jordaan and co-accused Gronie Hluyo and Trevor Neethling were arrested nearly a year ago and are due back in court on 21 November 2025.
Mounting Pressure on Jordaan
Since his arrest, Danny Jordaan has faced growing calls to resign, particularly from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who has questioned Jordaan’s leadership credibility amid the ongoing investigation.
Critics say the corruption allegations — coupled with concerns about organisational mismanagement and concentration of power — have severely damaged SAFA’s reputation. They argue that Jordaan’s continued presence undermines transparency, erodes trust, and distracts from football development in South Africa.
Supporters of his resignation maintain that stepping aside would allow the football body to restore credibility and refocus on grassroots growth and governance reforms.
The case is expected to return to court later this month, with public attention now fixed on whether SAFA’s leadership crisis will finally reach a decisive turning point.
