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South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan has returned from the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., to a fast-unravelling political base at home. His R1.3 million fraud case has been postponed to 11 February 2026, while former acting CEO Russell Paul is out on R10 000 bail as investigators expand their probe.
What happened?
Parliament has intensified pressure on SAFA’s finances, adding to concerns about governance and accountability.
Jordaan says the association’s 52 regions will decide his future and suggests he may pursue a fourth term. However, insiders say he currently holds only 38–42% support, far short of what he needs to win re-election.
Provincial Breakdown
A clearer picture of regional support shows how sharply the landscape has shifted:
- Western Cape: Firmly pro-Jordaan
- KwaZulu-Natal: Slightly pro-Jordaan but unstable
- Northwest: Support nearly collapsed
- Northern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape: Strongly anti-Jordaan
This provincial split places Jordaan at a significant disadvantage, especially with several large voting blocs turning against him.
What does it mean?
Unless Jordaan flips at least two provinces or secures changes to Congress rules, his 2026 re-election bid faces a steep uphill battle.
Political analysts in local football say momentum is rapidly shifting, and the widening criminal investigation is tightening the pressure.
