Can Minister of Sport fire SAFA boss Danny Jordaan?

The fallout from South Africa’s three-point deduction in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers has ignited public outrage and political scrutiny as Sports Minister Gayton McKeinze demands answers.

At the center of the storm is the South African Football Association (SAFA), whose administrative failure, fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena, cost Bafana Bafana a crucial victory and reshaped Group C’s standings.

As fans and pundits call for heads to roll, one question dominates the national conversation: Can the Minister of Sport fire the SAFA president Danny Jordaan?

The short answer: No. But the long answer reveals a complex web of governance, global regulations, and strategic influence.

 FIFA’s Firewall: Why Government Can’t Intervene Directly

SAFA is not a government department, it’s an autonomous body affiliated with FIFA. That affiliation comes with strict conditions, chief among them being non-interference from governments.

FIFA’s statutes explicitly prohibit political meddling in football governance.

Any attempt by a government official, including South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie to dismiss SAFA leadership could trigger immediate sanctions, including suspension from international football.

That would mean no Bafana Bafana, no CAF competitions, and no World Cup participation.

This isn’t theoretical. Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe have all faced FIFA suspensions in recent years for similar breaches.

What the Minister Can Do to Ensure SAFA Accountability?

Minister Gayton McKenzie has already outlined several steps in response to the FIFA sanction:

• Launch an independent investigation: The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a probe into the administrative failure that led to Teboho Mokoena’s ineligible appearance2.

• Demand transparency: A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared publicly to clarify what went wrong and who was responsible.

• Apply public and political pressure: While he can’t fire SAFA officials, the Minister can call for resignations, demand reforms, and influence public opinion.

• Engage with Parliament and oversight bodies: He can push for hearings, audits, and policy reviews to strengthen accountability in sports governance.

• Support structural reform: Encourage SAFA to adopt better compliance systems, including digital tracking of player suspensions like MySAFA and match eligibility.