JOHANNESBURG – The National Prosecuting Authority has expanded its fraud case against South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan by adding a fifth accused, former Acting CEO Russell Patrick Paul, following fresh evidence uncovered by police investigators.
Paul (64) appeared in the Palmridge Magistrates’ Court today (5 November) where he was granted R10,000 bail after the State did not oppose his application. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit fraud or theft, and fraud.
The charges stem from allegations that Paul conspired with co-accused Danny Jordaan and three others to defraud SAFA by authorising payments to a service provider for personal services rendered to Jordaan during Paul’s tenure as Acting CEO.
According to court documents, Paul allegedly approved payments using SAFA funds despite there being no contractual agreement between the football association and the service provider for such services.
The South African Police Service linked Paul to the alleged offences through further investigations into the case that has rocked South African football’s governing body.
Paul’s cooperation with authorities worked in his favour during the bail application. The court heard that he had assisted investigators after being informed of his impending arrest and continued to provide assistance during the investigation.
The case has been remanded until 21 November when Paul will appear alongside the four other accused. The delay comes as the defence challenges the admissibility of evidence obtained during a search and seizure operation at SAFA House in a separate High Court application.
In a statement, the NPA emphasised its commitment to ensuring accountability across all levels of the alleged criminal conduct.
“This development underscores 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,” the prosecuting authority said.
The fraud case has cast a shadow over SAFA and South African football, with Jordaan and his co-accused facing serious allegations related to the misuse of the association’s funds.
