Arrest after raid! What has this soccer association president done?
Johannesburg (South Africa) - A blow against corruption! Danny Jordaan (73), one of the key figures in South Africa's successful World Cup bid, has repeatedly faced serious accusations. Now the 73-year-old has been arrested - and will have to stand trial for fraud and theft.
The club president is accused of having siphoned off around 1.3 million rand (the equivalent of around 68,000 euros) from the organizational finances of the South African Football Association (SAFA), thereby enriching himself privately.
According to consistent media reports, he gained personal advantages as a result.
According to the news platform The Witness, a PR company and a private security firm also benefited from the money flows.
According to the South African police's Hawks special unit, two SAFA board members and a businessman have been arrested. In addition to Jordaan, it is said to be the two CFOs Gronie Hluyo and Trevor Neethling, although this has not yet been officially confirmed.
An arrest warrant is said to have previously been issued for all three suspects.
South Africa's club president Danny Jordaan targeted by critics
In March of this year, investigators raided the association's premises in the metropolis of Johannesburg and confiscated a number of electronic devices and files.
Jordaan has been SAFA chairman since 2013 and played a key role in the awarding of Africa's first and only World Cup in 2010. He has also been active as a FIFA official in recent years.
In the recent past, he has been repeatedly caught in the crossfire of critics who have pointed out the national team's sporting misery as well as its economic shortcomings.