JOHANNESBURG — Danny Jordaan, the prominent leader of South African soccer, has been taken into custody on charges of fraud and theft. Jordaan, who is credited with successfully bringing the FIFA World Cup to Africa in 2010, is alleged to have misappropriated approximately R1.3 million (around $72,372) from the South African Football Association (SAFA) for personal gain.
As the president of SAFA, Jordaan played a significant role in steering the country’s bid to host the prestigious World Cup, which marked a historic milestone for South Africa as the first nation on the continent to host the event.
His arrest comes in the wake of an operation by the Special Investigating Unit, which conducted a raid at the SAFA offices in March. During this operation, various electronic devices and documents were confiscated and are being examined further, prompting the recent charges against the soccer chief, as stated by police spokesperson Katlego Mogale.
Alongside Jordaan, another SAFA official and a businessman were also arrested. They are slated to make their first court appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
SAFA has yet to release a statement addressing the situation or providing further information regarding the circumstances surrounding Jordaan’s arrest.