Danny Jordaan, president of the South African Football Association (Safa), has been arrested over allegations of misusing Safa funds for personal purposes. South Africa’s elite crime unit, the Hawks, has been investigating allegations of fraud and theft within Safa, focusing on a period from 2014 to 2018, with the alleged misappropriation totaling around 1.3 million rand ($72,000, £57,000).
In March, the Hawks raided Safa’s Johannesburg offices, seizing various electronic devices, including a laptop, USB drives, external hard drives, and several documents. Jordaan, a pivotal figure in securing the 2010 Fifa World Cup for South Africa and Safa president since 2013, is accused of unauthorized spending, including hiring private security for himself and commissioning a public relations firm without Safa board approval.
Jordaan appeared in Johannesburg’s Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday, along with Safa’s chief financial officer, Gronie Hluyo, and businessman Trevor Neethling, who were also detained in connection to the case. Jordaan had filed a court application the day before his arrest, denying any wrongdoing and attempting to prevent his detention.
Jordaan’s tenure at Safa has been clouded by accusations of corruption and mismanagement, though he has continually defended his record. Critics have called for his resignation, citing failures such as the men’s national team’s inability to qualify for the World Cup since 2010 and the nation’s weakened grassroots football system. Despite the growing pressure, Jordaan, 73, is reportedly planning to pursue a fourth term as Safa president.
SOURCE: BBC Africa
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