The embattled SAFA president, Danny Jordaan, saw his case postponed again at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Jordaan appeared at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court with his co-accused: PR specialist Trevor Neethling, former SAFA CEO Russell Paul, and SAFA chief finance officer Gronie Hluyo. The court had scheduled the matter for a hearing, but postponed it to 25 May. The defence asked for more time to prepare its arguments. Jordaan and his co-accused face charges linked to the alleged misuse of R1.3 million from SAFA funds between 2014 and 2018.
SABC News and Central News said the latest delay adds another chapter to a legal process that began when authorities arrested Jordaan in November 2024. State prosecutors argue that Jordaan and four others used the money for his personal public relations work and private security instead of football development in South Africa.
During the brief court appearance, the defence filed a fresh application under Section 342A of the Criminal Procedure Act. The section requires courts to consider unreasonable delays in criminal matters.
Central News reported: “The defence previously filed a similar application, dismissed in December 2024. They have appealed this decision to the High Court, and this appeal remains pending. As of now, the case is still in the pre-trial phase, and no plea has been entered.”
Repeated postponements have led many to describe the matter as a game of cat-and-mouse with the justice system. Jordaan’s legal team is also preparing a second application to have the entire case struck off the court roll.
SAFA boss Jordaan’s charges
Reports suggest that state prosecutors believe the group used SAFA funds for purposes unrelated to developing football in South Africa, the country that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first on African soil. Prosecutors allege that the funds paid for Jordaan’s personal image-building and security. The charges include fraud, theft and conspiracy.
“The applicants’ act of delving into the merits [of the case] at this stage is a clear tactic aimed at confusing the court, as well as a tactic to circumvent the trial procedure. The applicants are challenged to allow the proper trial of the matter wherein they will have ample opportunity to test and disprove the State’s evidence,” said prosecutor Moagi Malebati.
The case has attracted strong public interest. Jordaan has led SAFA for years and played a major role in bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa. He also served on several FIFA and CAF committees. Many football fans and former players believe Jordaan’s time as SAFA president has run its course. Even so, he still has visible public support. One of his supporters, popular superfan Mama Joy Chauke, stood outside the court in solidarity with him.
Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana supporter Chauke, dressed in her trademark attire, said she is “100% behind Jordaan”. She also shared photos with the message: “Hands off my President!” Despite growing calls for his suspension, Jordaan remains in charge of SAFA.
With Bafana Bafana set to travel to the United States, Mexico and Canada for the World Cup in June, Jordaan continues to receive credit for securing sponsorships for SAFA.
In recent weeks, SAFA named German sports brand Adidas as the new technical sponsor for all national teams, replacing French kitmaker Le Coq Sportif. Around the same time, Standard Bank came on board as financial backer until 2030. Still, the courts will determine Jordaan’s future as SAFA president.
