Jordaan fraud case delayed again as defence seeks more time to prepare
The fraud case against Danny Jordaan has been postponed once again, with the defence requesting additional time to prepare for trial in a matter.
Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), appeared alongside his co-accused in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court Palm Ridge, where the case was postponed to allow for further legal preparations on Tuesday.
The 73-year-old football administrator faces multiple charges, including fraud, theft, and conspiracy to commit fraud and theft involving more than R1 million.
The charges stem from allegations that he authorised the use of SAFA funds for personal benefit, including hiring a private security company for his own protection and appointing a public relations firm without the approval of the SAFA board.
Jordaan and his co-accused were arrested in November 2024 and have since maintained their innocence.
The defence asked the court to consider provisionally striking the matter off the roll, citing pending review applications before the High Court in Johannesburg.
However, the request was received as part of a broader pattern of delays that has slowed the progress of the case.
The matter has been repeatedly postponed over the past two years, largely due to changes in legal representation and requests by defence lawyers for more time to study the docket.
On Tuesday, further changes to the defence team were recorded.
One of the accused, Russel Paul, appointed a new advocate, while other co-accused also altered their legal representation.
The defence has also indicated its intention to formally apply to have the case struck off the roll, arguing that the delays have become unreasonable.
However, in February, the National Prosecuting Authority pushed back against any further delays, insisting it was ready to proceed with the trial.
"The NPA remains ready to proceed with the trial and is committed to the finalisation of the matter. The State will oppose any delays that may undermine the administration of justice," said spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole.
Jordaan, who has been SAFA president since 2013 and was re-elected for a third term in 2022, remains one of the most influential figures in South African football.
The case is now expected to return to court on May 25th, where further legal arguments — including the potential application to have the matter struck off the roll — are likely to be heard.
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