SAFA president Danny Jordaan’s fraud trial postponed to August amid defence delay claims

The fraud and theft trial of South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan and four co‑accused was postponed on Monday, 25 May 2026, to 27 August 2026, after the defence sought time to respond to the State’s written arguments alleging unreasonable delay.

Postponement to allow defence response

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the postponement was intended to allow the defence to file a response to the State’s heads of argument in respect of the defence application alleging that the State is unreasonably delaying the finalisation of the matter.

“The State, however, maintains that it has always been trial-ready and submitted that it is ready to proceed with the hearing of the application.”

Charges and allegations

The accusedDanny Jordaan, former SAFA Chief Financial Officer Grown Hluyo, former journalist and director of Grit Communications Trevor Neethling, his entity Grit Communications, and former acting SAFA CEO Russell Paulface multiple charges including fraud involving more than R1 million, theft, and conspiracy to commit fraud and theft.

The State alleges that in December 2017 Jordaan signed and backdated a Service Level Agreement between SAFA and Grit Communications for public relations and communication services that was not approved through proper SAFA processes and was purportedly intended to protect Jordaan’s personal image.

Jordaan is also accused of procuring security services for personal use under the guise of SAFA business. The State alleges Hluyo authorised payments to Grit Communications and a security company despite knowing that the agreements were unauthorised and unlawful. Paul is alleged to have colluded and conspired with the other accused in relation to the alleged 2018 Service Level Agreement between SAFA and Grit Communications.

Arrests, bail and next steps

Jordaan, Hluyo and Neethling were arrested in November 2024 and are currently out on R20 000 bail each. The NPA said it remains committed to ensuring accountability and will continue to pursue the matter to finalisation before the court.

Timing and SAFA politics

The report notes SAFA’s elective congress is scheduled for September 2026. It also records that Jordaan had declared for years that he would not run again, but that he could be eyeing a fourth term as president of the football body.

The matter will next appear in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 27 August 2026.