Former SAFA acting CEO granted bail in Danny Jordaan fraud case
Former acting CEO of SAFA, Russell Patrick Paul, has been granted R10 000 bail in connection with the ongoing Danny Jordaan fraud case.
Former acting CEO of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Russell Patrick Paul, has been granted R10 000 bail after appearing in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in connection with the ongoing Danny Jordaan fraud case.
Paul, 64, appeared in court on Wednesday after handing himself over to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit earlier in the morning.
He faces charges of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud or theft.
Wider investigation
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Paul’s arrest forms part of a wider investigation into the alleged misuse of R1.3 million in SAFA funds for personal benefit.
He is expected to join SAFA president Danny Jordaan, chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo, Grit Communications, and its director Trevor Neethling when the case resumes on 21 November 2025.
The accused face three counts each of fraud, theft, and conspiracy to commit fraud and theft.
Allegations of Backdated Contract and Misuse of Funds
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said Paul allegedly conspired with the co-accused to backdate a contract with Grit Communications and authorise payments for services rendered to Jordaan without SAFA’s approval.
“It is alleged that Paul conspired with the other accused to commit fraud and theft by authorising payments to Grit Communications for personal services rendered to Mr. Jordaan during his tenure as acting CEO,” Mjonondwane said.
Investigations revealed that the service-level agreement between SAFA and Grit Communications, signed in October 2017, expired in September 2018 and was not renewed.
Despite this, payments allegedly continued until July 2019.
The Hawks said these payments were made without SAFA’s knowledge or authorisation.
NPA Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability
Mjonondwane added that Paul’s bail was not opposed, as he had cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation.
“These developments underscore the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals implicated in criminal conduct are held accountable, and that justice is pursued without fear, favour, or prejudice,” she said.
Jordaan, Hluyo, and Neethling were arrested in November 2024 and remain out on R20 000 bail each.
The case will return to court later this month.
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