Critics slam decision to use football funds for officials' corruption case

The South African Football Association (Safa) has sparked outrage after disclosing that it will cover all legal costs incurred by its president Danny Jordaan and CFO Gronie Hluyo in their fraud and corruption trial.

Jordaan and Hluyo were arrested in 2024 after a Hawks investigation into the alleged misuse of R1.3m in association funds. The pair face charges of theft, corruption and fraud.

Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao reiterated that the association was never a complainant in the matter, pointing to a December 2024 court letter confirming that Safa did not lay criminal charges against either official. Instead, Safa maintains that the prosecution was driven by “disgruntled former NEC members and employees” acting in their personal capacities.

The announcement was met with backlash from football supporters and critics, who accused Jordaan, now serving a fourth term as president, of raiding Safa’s coffers to fight personal legal battles.

Despite the backlash, the association has signalled the intention to take legal action of its own, warning that it plans to launch civil proceedings against anyone it believes has brought Safa or its leadership into disrepute.