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Port Elizabeth – Having just been sworn in as the executive mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Danny Jordaan refused to comment on allegations of corruption relating to the 2010 World Cup, or how this would impact on his position as mayor.
Speaking to the media after the council meeting at Nangoza Jebe Hall earlier on Thursday, Jordaan repeatedly evaded questions regarding the recent allegations in an indictment released by the US Justice Department on corruption around the 2010 World Cup.
In a lengthy, and detailed FBI investigation, it is alleged that a senior South African bid official travelled to Paris with stacks of $100 bills to buy the vote of Jack Warner, then the influential boss of Caribbean football whose block of votes were crucial to winning the 2010 World Cup.
The first time he was asked for comment, Jordaan pointed to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality backdrop behind him.
“You see here at the back, when you see the appropriate banner, you can ask the question,” said Jordaan.
When pressed, Jordaan said, “Listen, I’m saying this is not the forum. The minister of sport will be issuing a press statement, so once the statement has been issued you will have a better understanding of what you are talking about,” he said.
Jordaan, who repeatedly looked at his watch during the press conference, is believed to be flying out to Zurich later on Thursday, where he will be attending a FIFA conference as the head of the South African Football Association.
Mandela Bay Director of Communications, Roland Williams, remarked that “some of us have flights to catch”.
When asked if he was indeed flying to Zurich, Jordaan said: “Is it the first time that a mayor attends a meeting then flies?
"Even if it is the first time, I know of ministers, members of Parliament and mayors, not just in this city all over the country and all over the world. If I am the first, please tell me... I want to enter it into the Guinness Book of World Records,” he said.
