By REGINALD KANYANE

22 October 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has resolved to cover all legal costs incurred by its president, Dr Danny Jordaan, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Gronie Hluyo in the ongoing criminal case involving allegations of theft, corruption and fraud. The decision was taken during an ordinary meeting of the SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Johannesburg over the past weekend.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, SAFA said it had never lodged a complaint with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) or any other authority in connection with the matter, which has been before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court for approximately two years.

Jordaan, Hluyo, Grit Communications director Trevor Neethling and former SAFA chief executive officer (CEO) Russel Paul have been required to address allegations brought before the court. SAFA maintained that it was not the complainant in the case, arguing that the individuals who initiated the proceedings were disgruntled former NEC members and employees acting in their personal capacities.

According to the association, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao wrote to the court in December 2024, stating that the association had never been a complainant and that the individuals involved had no legal authority to represent SAFA in the proceedings. Monyepao also pointed to its unqualified audit outcomes during the period under investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and in subsequent audit periods up to the present.

“Following our deliberations, the NEC resolved that SAFA would intervene in the criminal proceedings by submitting a detailed written statement refuting allegations of wrongdoing against Jordaan, Hluyo and former acting CEO Paul.

“The association further announced plans to institute civil action against any individuals it believes have brought SAFA into disrepute or damaged the reputations of the association and its officials,” she said.

Monyepao further said SAFA also confirmed that it would cover all legal costs incurred by Jordaan and Hluyo, including expenses accumulated to date. In addition, she said the NEC resolved to appoint an attorney and senior counsel to attend future court proceedings on a watching brief.

Meanwhile, the association said these steps form part of its official position on the ongoing case before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

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