Theft Charges Dropped Against Danny Jordaan, Fraud Case Continues

South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan is no longer facing theft charges after the state amended its charge sheet during a court hearing on Friday. However, Jordaan still faces prosecution for fraud in connection with allegations of misusing Safa’s funds.

The Case So Far

Jordaan, along with Safa chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, was arrested in November 2024 on charges of fraud and theft. The trio was accused of misappropriating R1.3 million of Safa funds for personal use.

In Friday’s appearance at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge, the prosecution dropped charges related to the alleged theft of nearly R900,000. The revised charges now focus solely on fraud allegations.

This follows a high-profile raid by the Hawks in March 2024 at Safa’s offices, during which evidence of financial misconduct was reportedly seized. Investigators allege that Jordaan used Safa’s resources between 2014 and 2018 for unauthorized personal expenses, including hiring private security and a public relations firm.

Calls for Leadership Change

The ongoing case has intensified scrutiny of Jordaan’s leadership. Safa National Executive Committee (NEC) member Bhudha Mathathe recently called for Jordaan’s resignation, citing his compromised position due to the charges.

“He’s on bail facing serious charges, so he should not be at the NEC, let alone chair it,” Mathathe said. He proposed that Premier Soccer League chairman Irvin Khoza take over on an interim basis to steer Safa through its current financial and organizational challenges.

Legal Maneuvers

Jordaan’s defense team has indicated plans to petition the Johannesburg Director of Public Prosecutions to have the remaining charges withdrawn. Advocate Norman Arendse also confirmed that a review application is in progress following the court’s December dismissal of their request to strike the case off the roll entirely.

The accused are currently out on R20,000 bail each.

What’s Next?

The case appears set for lengthy delays as Jordaan and his co-accused pursue legal avenues to have the charges dismissed. Until then, questions around Safa’s leadership, financial stability, and reputation are likely to persist.

This ongoing legal battle places a spotlight on Safa’s governance and its ability to navigate the challenges posed by its embattled president’s court case.