South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan and his co-accused appeared in court again on Tuesday as their fraud and corruption case involving the Football Association’s funds was postponed to May 27, 2026.
The matter was heard at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, where legal proceedings remain in the pre-trial phase.
Danny Jordaan is charged alongside SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo, businessman Trevor Nettling, and former acting SAFA CEO Russell Patrick Paul. The group faces charges including fraud, theft, and conspiracy to commit fraud.
The State alleges that approximately R1.3 million of SAFA funds was improperly used, forming the basis of the case against the football officials and their associates.
Jordaan is alleged to have hired a private security company for his personal protection and a public relations company (Grit Communications) between 2014-2018 without authorization from the board.
The 73-year-old, who was a key figure in bringing the 2010 Fifa World Cup to South Africa and has been president of the country’s football governing body since 2013.
All accused were arrested in November 2024 and later granted bail under strict conditions. Since then, the case has been marked by repeated delays, largely due to ongoing legal challenges mounted by the defence.
A key element of the investigation stems from a March 2024 search and seizure operation conducted at SAFA House by the Hawks, during which authorities reportedly obtained significant evidence, including 64GB of email data.
That operation is now central to a High Court review application filed by the defence, which is contesting the legality of the warrant.
The defence has maintained Jordaan’s innocence throughout the proceedings. His legal team argues that the funds in question were used for authorized purposes, rejecting allegations of wrongdoing.
Jordaan has formally pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The introduction of new legal representation for some of the accused also contributed to the postponement, as additional time was requested to study the charge sheet.
Despite the State indicating its readiness to proceed, the court granted the delay, pushing the matter to late May.
The case continues to draw attention within South African football, given Jordaan’s prominent role in the administration of the game.
As the legal process unfolds, all parties remain before the court, with the outcome expected to have significant implications for governance within SAFA.
