Danny Jordaan Arrested for Alleged Fraud and Embezzlement of R1.3 Million

The South African Football Association (SAFA) president, Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on charges of fraud and embezzlement involving R1.3 million. The arrest, carried out by officers from the Hawks, took place on Wednesday, with Jordaan and his two co-accused, SAFA Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, expected to appear at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Palm Ridge.

Background and Allegations

Jordaan, who has held the position of SAFA president for three consecutive terms and is vying for a fourth, is accused of misappropriating funds between 2014 and 2018. The investigation alleges that he used SAFA’s resources to hire private security services and a public relations company without the board’s approval.

In March, Hawks officers conducted a thorough raid on SAFA’s Johannesburg offices, confiscating items such as laptops, external drives, and critical documents as part of their evidence-gathering process.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The news of Jordaan’s arrest has stirred significant attention, especially as he has been a prominent figure in South African football, best known for his role in bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the country. Public sentiment remains mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the allegations and others calling for thorough investigations to uphold the integrity of football governance.

As Jordaan and his co-accused prepare to appear in court, the outcome will likely impact the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification matches, including South Africa’s scheduled game against Uganda on November 15, 2024.

The football community and the public will be watching closely as Jordaan aims to clear his name amid a critical moment for South African soccer.