SAFA
Johannesburg – In a big boost for South African football, SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan has earned a spot on FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee. This group handles all the major men’s tournaments run by world football’s governing body. Jordaan joins a team led by Paraguay’s Robert Harrison as chair, with Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick as his deputy. The news highlights Jordaan’s long-standing work in the game, from leading the 2010 World Cup in South Africa to advising CAF president Patrice Motsepe.
This appointment comes at a good time for African football, with two key figures from the continent now shaping global events. Jordaan and Pinnick both serve as advisors to Motsepe, who took over as CAF boss in 2021. Their spots on the committee show growing African influence in FIFA decisions.
Leadership Line-Up and African Influence
The committee’s new set-up puts Harrison from Paraguay in the top seat, with Pinnick stepping up as deputy. Pinnick, who ran Nigeria’s football federation from 2014 to 2022, brings loads of experience from hosting big events and pushing for better governance in African football. Other members include Hussein Jenayah from Tunisia, Song Kai from China, Marian Kustic from Croatia, and Osaei Maroto from Costa Rica. This mix aims to bring different views to the table for fair planning.
For Jordaan, this role builds on his close ties with Motsepe. Since 2021, he has helped guide CAF strategies, focusing on growing the game across Africa. Pinnick shares that advisory spot, making their FIFA roles a win for the continent. Experts say this could help push for more African spots in World Cups and better support for youth tournaments.
The Committee’s Vital Work in Global Football
This committee stands out as one of FIFA’s most important. It looks after all men’s national team events, from the flagship FIFA World Cup to under-age competitions like the U-20 and U-17 World Cups. It also covers the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, the FIFA Futsal World Cup, and the FIFA Arab Cup. Their job includes setting rules, picking hosts, sorting schedules, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Decisions here affect millions of fans and players worldwide. For example, they decide on formats, like expanding the World Cup to 48 teams starting in 2026. They also handle issues like player welfare during busy calendars and promoting fair play. With the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada on the horizon, the committee will play a big part in final tweaks.
Jordaan’s Journey from Local Hero to Global Figure
Dr Danny Jordaan’s path to this role is packed with highlights. Born in Port Elizabeth in 1951, he started as a player and coach before moving into admin. He fought against apartheid in sport, pushing for unity in South African football during the tough years.
His biggest mark came as CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee. South Africa became the first African nation to host the event, drawing over 3 million fans and billions of TV viewers. The tournament pumped R93 billion into the economy, built world-class stadiums like Soccer City, and left a legacy of infrastructure. Polls often rank it as one of the best World Cups ever, thanks to the vibe, vuvuzelas, and stars like Spain’s winning team.
Since 2013, Jordaan has led SAFA through ups and downs. He helped Bafana Bafana reach the Africa Cup of Nations semis in 2023 and backed women’s football, with Banyana Banyana making history at the 2023 World Cup. Despite some criticism over admin issues, his push for development programmes has grown youth talent.
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