Skip to content 
Danny Jordaan’s salary, or lack thereof, shocked a Johannesburg courtroom in November 2024. The South African Football Association (SAFA) president, embroiled in fraud and theft charges, declared he earns no fixed income from his role. Instead, he receives an honorarium—ranging from zero to R100,000 annually—tied to SAFA’s performance. This claim, made during a bail hearing at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge, stunned observers. How does the man who orchestrated South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup survive on such a modest sum?
The statement ignited debates about SAFA’s financial transparency and Jordaan’s leadership. Beyond his pay, the fraud allegations—centered on R1.3 million allegedly misused for personal gain—cast a shadow over his tenure. For football stakeholders, from administrators to fans, this saga offers critical lessons in governance, accountability, and the murky finances of sports organizations.
Danny Jordaan’s Salary: The Courtroom Revelation
Jordaan stood before Judge Willem Wepener, resolute. “As president of SAFA, I render my services on a volunteer basis with no salary paid to me,” his affidavit read. The honorarium, he clarified, depends on SAFA’s financial health. In lean years, it’s nothing. In better times, it reaches R100,000—about $5,500. For perspective, that’s less than a mid-level accountant’s annual earnings in South Africa. The courtroom buzzed. Supporters, including SAFA’s COO Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe and CEO Lydia Monyepao, filled the gallery. Yet skepticism lingered. Posts on X captured the public’s disbelief: “No salary for running SAFA? Come on!” one user wrote.
Jordaan’s wealth complicates the narrative. He disclosed two properties—a R6 million Johannesburg home and a R4 million Eastern Cape residence. His household fittings are worth R2 million, and he owns a Mercedes-Benz and BMW, valued at over R700,000 combined. These assets suggest a lifestyle far beyond a volunteer’s means. Critics argue his honorarium claim masks other income sources, though no evidence has surfaced. The fraud charges, alleging unauthorized spending on personal security and PR firms, deepen suspicions. Jordaan denies the accusations, pleading not guilty.
The public’s reaction is visceral. Four SAFA regions have called for his suspension, citing governance failures. Football legend Professor Ngubane criticized Jordaan’s leadership, accusing him of surrounding himself with loyalists. The May 2025 SAFA congress could see leadership challenges, with Goal.com already naming potential successors like Ria Ledwaba. Jordaan’s claim about his pay, whether true or not, fuels demands for clarity.
SAFA’s Financial Framework
SAFA’s finances are a puzzle. The organization generates revenue from sponsorships (Betway, Nedbank), FIFA grants, and broadcast deals, with estimates pegging annual income at R200–300 million. Expenses—national team travel, grassroots programs, and administrative costs—consume much of this. Jordaan, as president, shapes budget priorities, though the CEO and CFO handle daily operations. His claim of no salary prompts a question: how does SAFA compensate its leaders?
The fraud case offers hints. Prosecutors allege Jordaan spent R1.3 million without board approval between 2014 and 2018. This includes R40,000 for personal security during the 2018 SAFA congress and payments to Grit Communications, a PR firm allegedly hired to counter 2017 rape allegations (which Jordaan denied). These actions, if proven, suggest Jordaan wielded significant financial control, salary or not. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale emphasized the misuse was for “personal gain,” a charge that undermines his volunteer narrative.
SAFA’s lack of public financial reports fuels speculation. Unlike FIFA, which publishes audited statements, SAFA operates opaquely. Fans on X describe its budget as “a black hole.” Without clear records, Jordaan’s compensation—honorarium or otherwise—remains a lightning rod for criticism. Recent calls for reform, including from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, urge SAFA to adopt transparent practices.
The Fraud Allegations Unpacked
The fraud and theft charges are the heart of Jordaan’s legal battle. Arrested in November 2024 alongside SAFA CFO Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, Jordaan faces accusations of misusing R1.3 million. The state alleges he hired a private security firm for personal protection and a PR company without board consent, violating SAFA’s statutes. Eighteen witnesses are listed, signaling a complex case. The trio secured R20,000 bail each, with the matter postponed to August 2025.
Jordaan’s defense is straightforward: not guilty. He told the court he hadn’t seen the charge sheet before his arrest, a claim that raised eyebrows. His request to retain his passport, citing international travel for SAFA duties, was granted. Meanwhile, he continues to lead, accompanying Bafana Bafana to Uganda for a 2025 AFCON qualifier days after his court appearance. This defiance frustrates critics who argue he should step aside pending the trial.
The allegations resonate beyond Jordaan. They highlight systemic issues in SAFA’s governance. The absence of board oversight, if true, points to weak checks and balances. Public sentiment, reflected in X posts, is unforgiving: “If he’s innocent, why the secrecy?” one user asked. The case could redefine SAFA’s leadership structure, especially if convictions follow.
Comparing Jordaan’s Pay Globally
Jordaan’s honorarium claim invites comparison with other football administrators. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin earns €2.19 million annually (about R42 million), per UEFA’s 2023 financials. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, a billionaire, takes no salary but covers personal expenses, unlike Jordaan’s alleged use of SAFA funds. FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s base salary is $3.6 million (R65 million). These figures dwarf Jordaan’s R0–R100,000, but SAFA’s smaller budget—compared to UEFA’s €4 billion or FIFA’s $7 billion—contextualizes the gap.
Volunteer roles in sports aren’t uncommon. Many national federation presidents, especially in smaller nations, serve without pay, receiving stipends or allowances. Yet Jordaan’s case stands out. His wealth and the fraud allegations suggest a disconnect between his stated income and lifestyle. In contrast, leaders like Motsepe face less scrutiny due to personal fortunes and transparent governance.
Jordaan’s 2010 World Cup Legacy
Jordaan’s role in securing and hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup remains his crowning achievement. As CEO of the organizing committee, he navigated political and logistical challenges to deliver Africa’s first World Cup. The event boosted South Africa’s global image and economy, with 3.1 million stadium attendees and billions in tourism revenue. Yet his salary controversy and fraud charges tarnish this legacy.
Critics argue Jordaan’s post-2010 tenure—SAFA president since 2013—lacks the same luster. Bafana Bafana’s inconsistent performance and SAFA’s financial opacity contrast with the World Cup’s success. Supporters counter that Jordaan’s global connections, like his FIFA Council role, elevate South African football. The fraud case, however, shifts focus to governance failures, overshadowing past triumphs.
Governance Lessons from SAFA
SAFA’s woes reflect broader challenges in African football. Financial mismanagement plagues many federations, from Nigeria’s NFF to Zimbabwe’s ZIFA. FIFA’s 2022 audits flagged governance issues in 20 African members, including SAFA. Jordaan’s case underscores the need for reform. Weak oversight, opaque budgets, and unchecked executive power invite scrutiny and distrust.
Calls for change are growing. Minister McKenzie challenged SAFA to address “mismanagement” in 2024, while fans demand elected leaders prioritize football over politics. The May 2025 congress could be pivotal, with reformers eyeing Jordaan’s seat. Global best practices—FIFA’s term limits, UEFA’s public audits—offer a roadmap.
What’s Next for SAFA and Jordaan?
Jordaan’s legal and professional future hangs in balance. The fraud case resumes in August 2025, with 18 witnesses poised to testify. A conviction could end his tenure, while acquittal may not quell calls for reform. He remains active, leading SAFA and traveling with Bafana Bafana, signaling confidence. Yet pressure mounts, with four regions and public figures like McKenzie demanding change.
The May 2025 congress looms as a flashpoint. Reform candidates could challenge Jordaan, leveraging his legal woes. Bafana Bafana’s AFCON performance may sway sentiment—success could bolster Jordaan, while failure could hasten his exit. SAFA’s next steps hinge on transparency and accountability.
100 Most Profitable Businesses in South Africa
Conclusion: Danny Jordaan’s Salary
Danny Jordaan’s salary claim—no fixed pay, only a R0–R100,000 honorarium—sparked shock and skepticism. His fraud charges, alleging R1.3 million misused, deepen the controversy. SAFA’s opaque finances and governance gaps fuel distrust, but actionable steps can rebuild trust. Publish budgets, enforce oversight, and engage stakeholders. Jordaan’s legacy, from the 2010 World Cup to today’s turmoil, hinges on transparency. Football deserves better.
Get the latest entrepreneurial success stories, expert tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox — Sign up for Entrepreneur Hub SA’s newsletter today!
