SAFA President Danny Jordaan remains in office as step-aside motion fails to get traction. Image: SAFA
(The Post News)- The expected step-aside motion targeting South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan failed to surface during the recent SAFA Congress in Sandton. Four regional factions were reportedly behind the effort, but the motion was never formally introduced.
Despite this, Jordaan faced scrutiny over his ongoing legal troubles and their impact on the association’s reputation and finances. SAFA is currently grappling with a R5 million deficit and has found it difficult to attract new sponsors.
During the congress, Jordaan downplayed the controversy and suggested that only a few media outlets continue to push the narrative about his legal challenges. He insisted that the congress proceeded without disruption, with all official reports tabled, discussions held, and no structural issues reported within SAFA.
He also addressed the criminal charges against him, noting that several have already been withdrawn. In February, three theft charges against Jordaan and SAFA Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo were dropped. However, three fraud charges and one charge of conspiracy to commit fraud remain active.
Jordaan framed the congress as a success, highlighting unity among the 52 regional structures and 11 associate members. He cited the progress of South African football at various levels as evidence of the association’s positive trajectory. Notable achievements include:
- The strong performances of Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana
- The men’s U-17 team qualifying for the World Cup
- The U-20 team winning South Africa’s first-ever U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title
- Mamelodi Sundowns competing at the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S.
Members also unanimously approved the financial report reflecting the R5 million deficit and adopted a new turnaround strategy aimed at restoring SAFA’s financial health.
However, not all delegates were satisfied with how the congress unfolded. One member from the opposing camp, who asked to remain unnamed who spoke to the herald described the environment as tense. Their group reportedly tested their support with a vote on a different matter and found they lacked the numbers needed to move forward with the step-aside motion.
According to the delegate, the vote margin was narrow, and with several abstentions and absent members, they were uncertain about where the support truly lay. The group now plans to regroup and possibly reintroduce the motion at the next congress scheduled for December.
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