Danny Jordaan is one of South African sport's most prominent figures — the CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee who oversaw Africa's first World Cup. He leveraged that legacy into the presidency of the South African Football Association. Under his leadership, SAFA has been declared insolvent.
In October 2023, the NPA charged Jordaan with fraud and theft totalling R1.3 million. The charges allege he used SAFA funds for personal expenses including travel and accommodation that had no connection to SAFA business. The amounts may seem modest, but they represent the embezzlement of funds from a sports body that was already in financial distress.
More damaging is the unresolved US DOJ allegation. As part of the sweeping FIFA corruption investigation, the DOJ alleged that South Africa paid a $10 million bribe — disguised as a "diaspora legacy programme" — to secure the 2010 World Cup bid. While Jordaan has denied personal involvement, the allegation hangs over both him and the legacy of the 2010 tournament. The irony is bitter: the event meant to showcase South Africa to the world may have been secured through the same corruption that is destroying it from within.