SAFA president Danny Jordaan was arraigned alongside his two co-accused on Wednesday over the misuse of resources.
As per Gauteng News, Jordaan is under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation for using SAFA resources for personal benefit between 2024 and 2018.
Jordaan’s case centres around misuse of resources, irregular contracts and personal security arrangements funded by SAFA without due process being followed.
The SAFA boss’ woes centre around;
Claims of misuse of SAFA resources
The Hawks claim Jordaan used SAFA cash to finance personal expenses, which included hiring a private security company for his protection and also got the services of a public relations firm Grit Communications to protect his public image during high-profile controversies and this was done without the SAFA board’s approval.
Unauthorised spending on PR
It is alleged that between 2014 and 2018, Jordaan faced serious allegations, including rape which affected his image and the Hawks claim he spent R1.3 million on a contract with Grit Communication to secure favourable coverage in the press without the approval of the SAFA board.
Search and & seizure of SAFA offices
The Hawks raided SAFA’s headquarters on March 8 in search of evidence about the disputed contracts with Grit Communications and Badger Security. They would get hold of electronic equipment and documents to review the legitimacy of those deals after it emerged that ex-SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble had resisted signing the PR deal due to its high cost.
Lack of tendering & financial oversight
It was alleged that the PR deal exceeded R250,000 as the SAFA rules stipulate and the CEO’s refusal to sign it was further evidence that it was not overboard, leading to misappropriation of funds.
Jordaan’s fightback
The SAFA boss filed an affidavit to prevent his arrest, having insisted the Grit Communications was legitimately hired to uphold SAFA’s reputation. Jordaan stated that payments were reflected in SAFA’s financial statements and denies any wrongdoing by the SAFA bosses.
Danny Jordaan bail conditions?
The president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), was released on bail of R20,000. His bail conditions include providing a 72-hour notice before traveling abroad and ensuring he does not miss any court proceedings due to international commitments.
Jordaan has pleaded not guilty and has requested to keep his passport, arguing that his work requires frequent travel. The court has allowed him to retain his passport for now, but he must inform authorities before any travel.
Who is Danny Jordaan?
The 73-year-old Port Elizabeth Native is known across Africa for his role in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when he was the CEO of the Local Organising Committee.
Jordaan has been a member of SAFA since 1997 when he was elected its CEO and led South Africa’s unsuccessful bid for the 2006 World Cup as well as in 2010 when they won the hosting rights.
He was elected SAFA president for the first time in February 2013, a position he still holds, but he has not been without his controversies.
In the 2015 FIFA corruption case, Jordaan admitted to paying $10 million to a football body led by Jack Warner in 2008, but denied that it was a bribe for hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
In November 2017, former parliamentarian Jennifer Ferguson claimed Jordaan had raped her 24 years earlier but the SAFA boss has denied all the allegations.
