SAFA Distances Itself From Jordaan Court Case and Threatens to Hit Back
The South African Football Association (SAFA) says it was never the complainant in the Palm Ridge corruption case, and it is now going on the offensive.
The association has broken its silence on the two-year-old matter before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, where President Dr Danny Jordaan, CFO Gronie Hluyo, Grit Communications director Trevor Neethling and former CEO Russel Paul have been called to answer allegations of theft, corruption and fraud.
Following an Ordinary Meeting of the NEC in Johannesburg this past weekend, SAFA put its position on record: it has never lodged a complaint with the SAPS, the Hawks or any other authority.
CEO Lydia Monyepao backed that up in a letter to the court in December 2024, stating that SAFA was never a complainant. According to the letter, those behind the case are disgruntled former NEC members and employees who have no legal right to represent SAFA and acted in their personal capacity.
SAFA also pointed to its financial record, saying it received unqualified audits for the period of the National Prosecuting Authority’s investigation and for the audit period since.
The NEC resolved to take four major steps:
Intervene in the criminal proceedings with a detailed written statement refuting any wrongdoing by Jordaan, Hluyo and Paul.
Institute civil action against anyone who has brought SAFA into disrepute or damaged the name of the association and its officials.
Pay all legal costs incurred by Jordaan and Hluyo, including costs to date.
Appoint an attorney and Senior Counsel to attend the proceedings on a watching brief.
The message is blunt, SAFA is standing firmly behind its leadership, and those it blames for dragging its name through the courts should expect legal consequences.
