South African FA president Jordaan arrested on fraud charges

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South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan has been released on bail following allegations of misusing the organization’s funds for personal expenses.

The country’s organized crime unit, Hawks, has been investigating claims of fraud and theft at SAFA from 2014 to 2018, amounting to 1.3 million rand ($72,000, £57,000).

Jordaan is accused of hiring a private security company for his personal protection and engaging a public relations firm without the SAFA board’s authorization.

The 73-year-old, instrumental in bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa and serving as SAFA president since 2013, was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Johannesburg.

SAFA’s Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, who were also present in court with Jordaan, were granted bail as well.

The three men were warned about contacting potential state witnesses who could testify against them, and the case was adjourned until 5 December.

Jordaan reportedly filed a court application on Tuesday, submitting an affidavit denying any wrongdoing in an effort to prevent his arrest by the Hawks.

In March, the unit conducted a raid on SAFA’s offices in Johannesburg, seizing a laptop, USB drives, external hard drives, and documents.

A SAFA official told BBC Sport Africa that they had no additional details about the case.

Jordaan has faced increasing scrutiny over ongoing allegations of mismanagement and corruption within South African football. Despite this, he has maintained his innocence and is reportedly seeking a fourth term as SAFA president.

Critics of Jordaan have called for his resignation, citing the men’s national team’s failure to qualify for a World Cup since 2010, as well as the decline of the country’s grassroots football infrastructure.