South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan was arrested on Wednesday, following allegations of misusing the organization’s funds for personal expenses, local media reports.
Jordaan, widely known for his pivotal role in securing the 2010 FIFA World Cup for South Africa, had attempted to block his arrest by filing an interdict with the Johannesburg High Court. However, the court is scheduled to review his submission on Thursday, a day after his detention.
The arrest follows a police raid on SAFA’s offices in March, during which authorities reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting that, between 2014 and 2018, Jordaan used SAFA’s resources for personal purposes. According to police spokesperson Katlego Mogale, the allegations include unauthorized expenditures on a private security firm for Jordaan’s protection and the engagement of a public relations company—actions allegedly taken without approval from SAFA’s board.
Jordaan, 73, is expected to appear in court on Wednesday alongside his co-accused: SAFA’s Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling.