There were two key takeaways from the South African Football Association’s appearance before Parliament: its dire financial situation and its president, Danny Jordaan, hinting that he will run for a fourth term in 2026.
The South African Football Association (Safa) is in financial trouble. That was one of the key takeaways from the federation’s appearance before Parliament’s sport, arts and culture oversight committee.
During the routine visit to Parliament on Tuesday, 3 June Safa spoke about the financial struggles it is facing. The association’s chief financial officer, Gronie Hluyo, said it is in debt, with its current liabilities exceeding its assets by R141-million.
Over the past few months in particular Safa has battled to pay employees and service providers on time. Even senior national team players have sometimes had to wait it out for their match fees.
In December 2024, the Department of Sport bailed out Safa from a financial quagmire by approving a R5-million advance from the association’s annual government grant. However, in the long-term Safa still finds itself in a precarious financial position.
