EFF Denounces SAFA President Danny Jordaan Amid Fraud Allegations

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have issued a powerful statement condemning the leadership and alleged corruption of South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan. This follows Jordaan’s court appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg on charges of fraud and theft.

Jordaan, accompanied by SAFA Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo and businessperson Trevor Neethling, was arrested on Tuesday and subsequently appeared in court on Wednesday. The State did not oppose bail for the trio, and each was released on bail set at R20,000.

EFF’s Criticism of Jordaan’s Leadership

The EFF’s statement did not mince words, accusing Jordaan of being a “corrupt ANC-deployee” with no credible background in football. The party expressed disbelief at Jordaan’s career transition from being the Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to leading SAFA, suggesting it was fueled by political connections rather than merit.

“The EFF has long identified Danny Jordaan as a corrupt ANC-deployee in SAFA, who has no sophisticated knowledge of football or sports in general and exists in the association as a proxy for corrupt ANC interests. It has been a wonder for all logical citizens of this country how someone can move from being a Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to a President of a footballing association, without any verifiable track-record in the footballing world,” the statement read.

Allegations of Football Neglect and Mismanagement

The EFF’s critique extended to Jordaan’s record in leading SAFA, highlighting failures in developing South African football at the grassroots level. According to the party, prominent figures such as Dr. Irvin Khoza, Dr. Kaizer Motaung, and businessman Patrice Motsepe have had to step in to support football development in the absence of effective leadership from SAFA.

“Under Danny Jordaan, football in South Africa has been neglected at a grassroots level, and development in the sport has been non-existent,” the EFF stated. “It has taken the individual efforts of businessmen such as Patrice Motsepe, and sporting legends such as Dr. Irvin Khoza and Dr. Kaizer Motaung to individually sustain football development in the country and the continent, because Danny Jordaan has for years proven to be directionless.”

Issues of Wage Disparity and Lack of Transparency

The statement further accused Jordaan of perpetuating inequalities in the sport, pointing out the significant wage gap between men’s and women’s football under his leadership. The EFF noted that the lower leagues have deteriorated and expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding bonuses and salaries for national teams during international and continental tournaments.

“During his tenure, there remains an unfair wage gap between men and women’s football, the lower leagues of football have deteriorated, and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) remains the only credible stage for aspirant footballers whose talents are discovered at a late stage,” the statement asserted. “Additionally, there has remained a cloud of secrecy around the payments of bonuses and salaries when the national footballing teams participate in continental and international tournaments.”

Awaiting SAFA’s Response

SAFA has been approached for comment but had not issued a response at the time of publication. The arrest and the strong backlash from the EFF have placed Jordaan and SAFA under intense public scrutiny. Observers will be watching closely for SAFA’s response to these allegations and any further developments in the legal proceedings.

This latest incident comes as South African football continues to grapple with issues of governance and leadership, raising questions about the future of the sport under current management.