South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan has been released on bail amid allegations that he used the organisation’s funds for personal gain.
The country’s organized crime investigation unit, Hawks, has been investigating allegations of fraud and theft in Safa between 2014 and 2018 worth R1.3 million ($72,000, £57,000).
It is alleged that Jordaan hired a private security company for his personal protection and a public relations company without the authorization of Safa’s board of directors.
The 73-year-old, who was a key figure in bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa and has been president of Safa since 2013, was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in the Palm Ridge magistrates’ court in Johannesburg.
Safa CFO Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, who appeared in court alongside Jordaan, were also released on bail.
The three men were warned not to contact potential state witnesses who might testify against them, and the case was adjourned until December 5.
Jordaan reportedly filed a court application on Tuesday, with an affidavit denying any wrongdoing, in an attempt to block his arrest by Hawks.
In March, the unit raided Safa’s offices in Johannesburg and confiscated a laptop, USB devices, external hard drives and documents.
A Safa official told BBC Sport Africa he had no further details about the case.
Jordaan has faced increasing scrutiny amid continuing allegations of mismanagement and corruption within South African football, but has maintained his innocence and is reportedly seeking a fourth term as Safa president.
Jordaan’s critics have called on him to resign, pointing out that the men’s national team has not qualified for a World Cup since 2010, as well as the deterioration of the country’s grassroots soccer infrastructure.
