The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has issued a strong-worded statement alleging that SAFA president Danny Jordaan is "corrupt", following his appearance in court.
Jordaan appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates' Court in Johannesburg on Wednesday along with his two co-accused on charges of fraud and theft.
Read – R2m Motaung Gift: 'No Money Can Match Kaizer's Contribution'
Each of them was granted bail of R20 000 after the State did not oppose their bail applications.
Jordaan had been arrested yesterday along with SAFA's chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and businessperson Trevor Neethling.
Following the arrest and court appearance, the EFF has blasted Jordaan and questioned his leadership.
"The EFF has long identified Danny Jordaan as a corrupt ANC- deployee in SAFA, who has no sophisticated knowledge of football or sports in general and exists in the association as a proxy for corrupt ANC interests. It has been a wonder for all logical citizens of this country how someone can move from being a Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, to a President of a footballing association, without any verifiable track-record in the footballing world," read the statement, in part.
"Under Danny Jordaan, football in South Africa has been neglected at a grassroots level, and development in the sport has been non-existent. It has taken the individual efforts of businessmen such as Patrice Motsepe, and sporting legends such as Dr. Irvin Khoza and Dr Kaizer Motaung to individually sustain football development in the country and the continent, because Danny Jordaan has for years proven to be directionless," the statement continued.
Read – Latest: Jordaan Granted Bail
"During his tenure, there remains an unfair wage gap between men and women's football, the lower leagues of football have deteriorated, and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) remains the only credible stage for aspirant footballers whose talents are discovered at a late stage. Additionally, there has remained a cloud of secrecy around the payments of bonuses and salaries when the national footballing teams participate in continental and international tournaments," said the EFF.
SAFA has been contacted on the matter and at the time of publishing no response had been received.
For all you exclusive football content and breaking news, join our WhatsApp Channel here.
