Ex-SAFA acting CEO Russell Paul granted bail in fraud case linked to Danny Jordaan
Russell Paul, former acting CEO of the South African Football Association, arrested in a fraud case linked to president Danny Jordaan. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
The South African Football Association was thrown into further turmoil on Wednesday when Russell Paul, the organisation’s former acting CEO was arrested by the Hawks.
According to reports, the 64-year-old appeared before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday on fraud charges linked to SAFA president Danny Jordaan, and was granted R10,000 bail. He is expected to appear again alongside Jordaan and his co-accused later this month.
Police allege Paul conspired to backdate Grit Communications' contract with SAFA. They say the service-level agreement that was entered into between SAFA and Grit Communications on 1 October 2017 expired on 30 September 2018.
“Therefore, there was no new service-level agreement that was entered into between SAFA and Grit Communications during the period of October 2018 and July 2019,” the police say.
Between 2014 and 2018, Jordaan is alleged to have used SAFA funds without proper authorisation for his personal benefit, including hiring a public-relations firm and a private security company.
Jordaan and his co-accused, Gronie Hluyo and Trevor Neethling, were arrested almost a year ago and are expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 21 November 2025.
Since the arrests, Jordaan has faced increasing calls, particularly from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, to stand down from his position, as these allegations have cast doubt on his ability to lead transparently and responsibly.
Beyond the legal issues, Jordaan’s leadership has been criticised for weak organisational oversight, concentration of power, and practices that may have sidelined board and council input.
With the ongoing controversy, many feel his continued presence damages SAFA’s reputation, distracts from football development, and undermines stakeholder confidence. Supporters of his resignation argue that stepping aside would allow the organisation to operate with transparency and restore credibility.
IOL Sport