The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that it will cover the legal costs of its president Danny Jordaan and other officials involved in an ongoing criminal case.
The decision follows a meeting of SAFA’s National Executive Committee (NEC), with the football governing body also resolving to support Jordaan and the other officials as the legal proceedings continue.
Jordaan, SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo, Grit Communications director Trevor Neethling and former acting CEO Russel Paul are facing allegations relating to fraud, corruption and theft. The allegations remain matters before the court and have not been established as fact.
SAFA Says It Did Not Lay the Criminal Complaint
In its statement, SAFA maintained that the association itself did not lodge a criminal complaint against Jordaan or the other officials.
The federation said it was not the complainant in the proceedings, pointing to correspondence from SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao in December 2024.
According to SAFA, the matter was brought by former NEC members and employees acting in their personal capacities.
The association also highlighted its audit record during the period under investigation, stating that it received unqualified audit outcomes for the relevant period and subsequent audit periods.
SAFA to Pay Jordaan and Hluyo’s Legal Costs
Despite the ongoing criminal proceedings, SAFA’s NEC resolved to cover the legal expenses incurred by Jordaan and Hluyo.
The decision reportedly includes legal costs that have already been incurred.
SAFA has also resolved to provide further support during the court proceedings, including submitting a detailed written statement disputing the allegations against Jordaan, Hluyo and former acting CEO Russel Paul.
The association plans to have legal representatives attend future proceedings on a watching brief.
SAFA Threatens Civil Action
The football governing body also indicated that it intends to pursue civil action against individuals it believes have damaged SAFA’s reputation or brought the organisation and its officials into disrepute.
The development comes after Jordaan was recently re-elected as SAFA president, defeating fellow candidate Sandile Zungu in the leadership contest.
The legal case therefore continues alongside Jordaan’s renewed tenure at the head of South African football.
What Does SAFA’s Decision Mean?
SAFA’s decision to fund the legal costs of officials involved in the case is likely to generate debate among football supporters and stakeholders.
The association maintains that it was not the complainant and continues to stand behind its officials, while the criminal proceedings will determine the legal issues before the court.
What do you make of SAFA’s decision to cover the legal costs?
