Sell-by date or not, Danny Jordaan appointed to Fifa committee overseeing major tournaments

Danny Jordaan, the long-serving president of Safa, has been appointed to serve on a prestigious Fifa committee, in a surprising twist on the footballing landscape.

The appointment comes at a time when discontent among South African football fans has peaked, with many calling for Jordaan to step down from his role at Safa, citing that he has overstayed his welcome after three terms in office.

The decision to elevate Jordaan to a position within Fifa has ignited a heated debate in South Africa, where criticism of his leadership has been vocal and persistent. Fans and analysts alike have questioned whether the appointment signifies a vote of confidence or a misalignment with the needs of South African football.

The prevailing sentiment in the local football community is one of disillusionment, with accusations that Jordaan’s tenure has not brought the growth and development that the sport urgently needs. Many critics believe he has reached his sell-by date, suggesting that his extended tenure is counterproductive, with several key departments underperforming under his leadership.

Concerns regarding the notorious yellow-card scandal, facility management, and player development programmes under his watch remain topical. Frustrated fans question whether this new Fifa role may distract him from addressing pressing domestic football challenges.

Jordaan’s appointment to this esteemed committee marks a vital step for South African football, placing him alongside influential figures in the sport. The committee is responsible for overseeing all major Fifa men’s tournaments, including the Fifa World Cup, Fifa Under-20 and Under-17 World Cups, the men’s Olympic tournament, the Fifa Futsal World Cup, and the Fifa Arab Cup.

It is chaired by Robert Harrison of Paraguay, with Amaju Pinnick, the former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, serving as his deputy.

This development showcases Jordaan’s extensive contributions to football, notably his role in leading the successful 2010 Fifa World Cup hosted in South Africa. His appointment comes at a critical time, as African leaders increasingly influence global football governance. Both Jordaan and Pinnick serve as advisors to CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who assumed office in 2021.

The simultaneous appointments of three senior South African officials to key Fifa committees also highlight the growing expertise of South African administrators on the global stage. Alongside Jordaan on the Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, Victor Gomes serves on the Fifa Referees Committee, while Thulane Ngwenta is vice-chairman of the Fifa Medical Committee.

Recent successes off the pitch further underline the significance of these appointments. South Africa’s U17 Boys and U20 Men’s teams have qualified for their respective Fifa World Cups, while the senior national team, Bafana Bafana, is on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, buoyed by consecutive AFCON qualifications.