SAFA denounces “false and malicious” Jordaan claims

by Staff Reporter

Monday May 12, 2025. 15:00

The South African Football Association has denied claims that it paid its current President Danny Jordaan R10 million from Association funds without the approval and knowledge of the NEC.

In a statement released by SAFA on its official website on 11 May, it took aim at those circulating what it calls “disinformation”, claiming its financial system was accessed illegally and the claims of corruption are part of a coup attempt to affect a change of power within the organisation.

“The disinformation and coordinated attempt to effect regime change at the South African Football Association (SAFA) continues with claims now that the President was paid more than R10 million from the Association without the knowledge and approval of the NEC in 2020,” the statement reads.

“These allegations are malicious and mischievous, and quite frankly, laughable. It is inconceivable that the basis of this latest smear emanates from someone who accessed the SAFA financial system illegally, misinterpreted the reports they generated, and leaked it to third parties in a bid to generate this false narrative. The report that was obtained illegally relates to all payments made to the President since 2007, and covers a period of 18 years during which time Dr Danny Jordaan held various positions in SAFA as CEO until 2008, CEO of the World Cup Bid up until 2006 and CEO of the FIFA World Cup from 2006 until 2011,” the statement continues.

“It also includes SAFA meeting allowances and honorariums, which were paid to all NEC members over a period exceeding 13 years.”

Jordaan has been working at or with SAFA in various capacities since taking the reins as CEO in 1997.

In the statement, SAFA criticised a Sunday news publication within the country as not portraying the full story or including the view and explanations of the Association, and for perpetuating a power grab within SAFA.

“Finally, this is part of the ongoing campaign directed at the SAFA President with a view of effecting regime change. We did provide this explanation to the Sunday newspaper that continues to peddle misinformation, and it is no surprise that the journalist deliberately ignored our full response.”

By Nic Gleeson