Court postpones case against Danny Jordaan and co-accused until April 2026

The case against South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan and his co-accused has been postponed until April, following a request from the defence for additional time to prepare for the trial.

The matter was heard this week at the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where the defence applied for more time to consult with the accused.

The defence also requested that the case be provisionally struck off the roll, citing pending a review application before the Johannesburg High Court challenging a search and seizure operation that was conducted in connection with the case. The review application will be heard in April.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), “The postponement follows a request by the defence for additional time to consult with the accused and prepare for trial.”

The State made it clear that it is ready to proceed. “The State, however, reiterated that it has always been ready to proceed with the trial and argued that the matter should be set down for hearing on the proposed date,” the NPA said.

Jordaan appears alongside former SAFA Chief Financial Officer Gron Hluyo, former journalist and director of Grit Communications Trevor Neethling, his entity Grit Communications, and Russell Paul. They face 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 unlawfully signed and backdated a Service Level Agreement between SAFA and Grit Communications for public relations and communication services.

Prosecutors claim the agreement was not approved through proper SAFA processes and was allegedly intended to protect Jordaan’s personal image.

He is further accused of procuring security services for personal use under the guise of SAFA business. It is also alleged that Hluyo authorised payments to Grit Communications and a security company despite knowing that the agreements were unauthorised and unlawful.

“All accused remain on bail of R20 000 each until their next court appearance,” the NPA confirmed.

Reaffirming its position, the prosecuting authority stated: “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.”

The case is expected to resume on April 14, 2026.

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