The South African Football Association (Safa) has come under fire after confirming it will pay the legal costs of president Danny Jordaan and chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo in their fraud and corruption case.
Jordaan and Hluyo were arrested in 2024 following an investigation by the Hawks into the alleged misuse of R1.3m in Safa funds. They are facing charges of theft, corruption and fraud.
Safa chief executive Lydia Monyepao said the association was not the complainant in the case. She referred to a court letter issued in December 2024 which confirmed that Safa had not laid criminal charges against either official.
The association’s position is that the prosecution was initiated by “disgruntled former NEC members and employees” acting in their personal capacities.
The decision to cover the pair’s legal expenses has prompted an angry response from football supporters and critics. Some have accused Jordaan, who is serving a fourth term as Safa president, of using the association’s funds to finance a personal legal defence.
Safa has nevertheless indicated that it may begin legal proceedings of its own. The association said it plans to pursue civil action against people it believes have damaged the reputation of Safa or its leadership.
The issue has raised questions over whether association funds should be used to pay the legal fees of officials facing criminal charges.
Do you support Safa using association funds to pay Jordaan and Hluyo’s legal fees?
