Charges Against Danny Jordaan
By Sello Masilo
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn theft charges against South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan and Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo, but insists that the fraud and conspiracy charges against them remain strong.
The decision, announced in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Friday, has once again put the NPA’s ability to prosecute high-profile cases under scrutiny. Jordaan and Hluyo still face serious allegations of misusing SAFA funds for personal benefit.
Background: Allegations Against Jordaan and Hluyo
Jordaan, a long-time football administrator and former 2010 FIFA World Cup bid leader, was arrested in November 2024 alongside Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling. They were accused of fraud, theft, and conspiracy to commit fraud after allegedly misusing SAFA funds amounting to R1.3 million.
Among the allegations were:
• Using SAFA funds to hire a public relations firm to manage Jordaan’s image following a 2017 rape allegation.
• Employing a private security firm for Jordaan without SAFA board approval.
• Misappropriating funds intended for football development projects.
Jordaan originally faced seven charges, but in court, prosecutors confirmed that three theft-related charges were dropped following further investigations.
NPA’s Justification for Withdrawing Charges
While the decision to drop some charges might suggest weaknesses in the case, NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane strongly rejected this assumption.
“We have a case that has passed the test of prospects of a successful prosecution. Hence, the matter was enrolled in court,” she said.Mjonondwane explained that the law allows the State to amend charges as more evidence emerges. The withdrawal does not mean Jordaan and Hluyo are innocent but rather that the case is being refined for a stronger prosecution.
Court Proceedings: Jordaan’s Response and Legal Defense
Jordaan and Hluyo made a brief court appearance, where their legal representatives dismissed the charges as a smear campaign to tarnish Jordaan’s leadership at SAFA.
Their legal team argued that:
• No financial misconduct occurred, as all expenditures were allegedly approved by the appropriate SAFA structures.
• The prosecution’s case is politically motivated, linked to internal power struggles within South African football.
Jordaan remains out on bail, having posted R20,000, while his legal team has filed motions to have the remaining charges dismissed.
Public and Political Reaction
- Calls for Accountability in SAFA
Football stakeholders have mixed reactions to the case:
• Some believe it reflects a pattern of corruption within South African football administration.
• Others feel Jordaan is being unfairly targeted due to his political connections.
Former SAFA executive member Ace Ncobo criticized Jordaan’s leadership:
“For years, SAFA has lacked transparency. This case proves we need new leadership to restore credibility.”- NPA Under Scrutiny
Legal analysts say the NPA’s credibility is at stake. South Africans have witnessed several high-profile cases collapse, raising questions about prosecutorial competence.
Political commentator Ralph Mathekga stated:
“The NPA cannot afford another failed case. If the fraud charges collapse, it will further damage public trust in our justice system.”Impact on SAFA and South African Football
- SAFA’s Reputation at Risk
SAFA, South Africa’s governing body for football, is already dealing with internal conflicts and poor financial management allegations.
• Sponsors like Sasol and Nedbank have reportedly expressed concerns over the corruption scandal.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are approaching, and SAFA cannot afford leadership instability.
A senior SAFA official, speaking anonymously, said:
“Football should be the priority. But this case is causing serious divisions.”- FIFA Monitoring the Situation
FIFA has historically taken harsh action against football administrators involved in corruption. Some believe that if Jordaan is found guilty, South Africa could risk sanctions from global football’s governing body.
A FIFA ethics committee member told the media:
“We are watching the developments closely. Any misuse of football funds is a serious matter.”
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