Russell Patrick Paul (64) appeared before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 05 November 2025.
He was arrested by the Johannesburg-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team after handing himself over
During September 2018, the suspect was appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South African Football Association (SAFA). It is alleged that the suspect conspire to backdate the contract of Grit Communications at SAFA.
It is further alleged that Grit Communications provided services to SAFA President without SAFA’s knowledge and authorisation.
It is reported that the service level agreement that was entered into between SAFA and Grit Communications on 01 October 2017 expired on 30 September 2018, therefore there was no new service level agreement that was entered into between SAFA and Grit Communications during the period of October 2018 and July 2019.
Meanwhile the criminal case against his co-accused Danny Jordaan, Gronnie Hluyo, Trevor Neethling, Grit Communications is ongoing and they are expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes on 21 November 2025.
Paul has been postponed to 21 November 2025. He was granted R10 000 bail.
