Danny Jordaan, president of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and a prominent figure in the country’s sports sector, was arrested Wednesday on charges of fraud and theft.

Police allege that Jordaan misused SAFA resources for personal gain in a case involving 1.3 million rand (approximately $72,000).

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Jordaan, 73, who was instrumental in South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, appeared in a Johannesburg court and denied the charges.

Authorities claim that, between 2014 and 2018, Jordaan employed a private security firm and a public relations company without SAFA board approval, allegedly using the association’s funds for these expenses.

The public relations company’s services reportedly followed a blow to Jordaan’s reputation after a South African singer and former lawmaker accused him of sexual assault in 2017, regarding an incident that allegedly occurred 25 years prior—a claim Jordaan has consistently denied.

SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, head of the communications firm linked to the charges, were also arrested in connection with the case.

Both Hluyo and Neethling pleaded not guilty.

Police said the arrests followed an extensive investigation by Johannesburg’s Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit.

All three were released on bail following their court appearance.

Jordaan has led SAFA since 2013 and was re-elected for a third term in 2022.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time top scorer and football icon, was awarded the prestigious Platinum Quinas trophy at the 2024 Quinas de Ouro gala, held on Monday evening in recognition of his extraordinary career and contributions to Portuguese football.

The Platinum Quinas trophy, the highest honour presented by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), was bestowed upon Ronaldo for his exceptional achievements with the national team, cementing his legacy as a symbol of Portugal on the global stage.

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The 39-year-old, now playing for Al-Nassr, has earned 216 caps and scored 133 goals for Portugal, solidifying his place in football history.

In a reflection on his career, Ronaldo shared his pride in the milestone. “It is an honour to receive this trophy. I see it as a beginning. Thank you to the FPF for this award, marking a long journey filled with hard work,” Ronaldo posted on social media the following day.

The footballer, known for his determination, humorously added, “I can’t wait to see what my legs have to offer me in the next few years. If the 1000th goal comes, that’s fine… but if it doesn’t happen, I’m already the top scorer in history.”

Ronaldo also expressed his gratitude in Portuguese, saying, “É um orgulho receber este prémio pela minha carreira na Seleção. Ainda há muito por conquistar! Obrigado, @selecaoportugal!” (“It is an honor to receive this award for my career with the National Team. There is still a lot to achieve! Thank you, @selecaoportugal”).

The gala, which celebrates excellence in Portuguese football, saw the attendance of distinguished guests including Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and FPF President Fernando Gomes.

Ronaldo, who famously led Portugal to victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League, praised the country’s football infrastructure.

“We have everything: magnificent stadiums, excellent coaches, potential in these players, and the stars we have. Not only in football but in other sports as well,” he remarked.

The event also honoured several other notable figures from Portuguese football. Former international Pepe, who retired in August after 141 caps with the national team, was celebrated for his remarkable career.

The ceremony also recognised players such as Diogo Costa, Rúben Dias, and Vitinha for their outstanding performances in the 2024 Ballon d’Or and Yashin award races.

Other awards included a special tribute to Jorge Jesus, coach of Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal, for his record 34 consecutive wins, and João Matos, who was honoured for earning 200 caps with the Portuguese futsal national team.

The evening also paid tribute to the late José Manuel Constantino, the former president of the Portuguese Olympic Committee, and recognised Olympic and Paralympic athletes who earned medals at the 2024 Paris Games.

In a touching moment, FPF President Fernando Gomes acknowledged the contributions of several Portuguese clubs to the development of top talent, with representatives from Sporting, FC Porto, Benfica, Sporting de Braga, and Vitória de Guimarães attending the ceremony.

As the event concluded, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva were called upon by Portuguese U21 coach Rui Jorge to take up the mantle of responsibility for the future of Portuguese football, ensuring the continued growth and success of the national team.

Marco Angulo, the 22-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder playing for FC Cincinnati and currently on loan with L.D.U. Quito, has died from injuries sustained in a car accident on October 7.

The Ecuadorian Football Association (FA) confirmed his passing on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the international football community.

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The accident, which took place on the Rumiñahui highway southeast of Quito, claimed the lives of Angulo’s former youth team teammate Roberto Cabezas and another passenger.

Cabezas, who was driving, collided with a metal barrier, killing him and one passenger instantly.

Angulo suffered critical injuries, including severe head trauma and a lung contusion, and was placed in an artificial coma.

Despite extensive efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries on Monday night, according to Ecuadorian media outlet El Universo.

Angulo, a promising defensive midfielder, represented Ecuador in the Under-17 and Under-20 national teams, making his senior debut in November 2022 during a friendly against Iraq, with a follow-up appearance in a March 2023 friendly against Australia.

Known for his commitment and skill, Angulo had recently been playing in Ecuador’s top league with L.D.U. Quito, on loan from Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati.

The Ecuadorian FA expressed deep sorrow, describing Angulo as “not only an outstanding player but a great teammate” who “defended the colors of our country at every opportunity with talent and dedication.”