Safa has rallied behind president Danny Jordaan amid his ongoing legal case before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, stating that they have lodged no complaint against him and will foot all legal bills for him and chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo.
Safa resolved to back Jordaan and Hluyo following an ordinary NEC meeting in Johannesburg this past weekend, where they addressed various issues, including the matter involving the duo being asked by the court to answer serious allegations of theft, corruption, and fraud
In the matter – which also involves former Safa chief executive Russell Paul and Grit Communications director Trevor Neethling, and has spanned two years – Safa made their stance clear.
“Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao wrote a letter to the court in December 2024 stating that Safa was never a complainant,” the statement read.
“The letter further stated that the complainants are disgruntled former Safa NEC members and employees who have no legal right to represent Safa in the proceedings. They have done so in their personal capacity outside the ambit of Safa.”
Safa added that while the trio – including Paul – have been accused of looting funds from the association, those claims are unjustifiable given that the federation has consistently received clean financial audits.
“It is worth adding that Safa received unqualified audits for the period of this investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority and the subsequent audit period to date,” added the statement, before confirming they will make their stance officially known to the court.
“The NEC further resolved that Safa shall intervene in the criminal proceedings by making a detailed written statement refuting any wrongdoing on the part of the president, the CFO, and former acting CEO, Mr. Russell Paul.”
Safa’s backing of Jordaan does not end there. They have since decided to take action against individuals who bring the organization and its officials – such as Jordaan and Hluyo – into disrepute, while confirming they will pay all legal costs incurred by Jordaan and Hluyo to date.
“Finally, Safa shall appoint an attorney and Senior Counsel to attend the proceedings on a watching brief going forward,” the statement concluded.