Amaju Pinnick, Danny Jordaan Join Key FIFA Committee

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, and South Africa Football Association (SAFA) boss, Dr Danny Jordaan, have been appointed to the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee a move that’s being celebrated across the continent.

South African sports media have described their inclusion as a big win for African football, calling it a “golden chance” to strengthen the continent’s influence in world football.

Pinnick, who once served as CAF’s First Vice President, was named Deputy Chairperson of the committee, while Dr Jordaan joins as a member. The group will be led by Paraguay’s Robert Harrison, with Qatar’s Sheikh Hamad Khalifa Al Thani representing the FIFA Council.

The committee plays a crucial role in overseeing FIFA’s major male tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, U20 and U17 World Cups, the Olympic Football Tournament, the Futsal World Cup, and the FIFA Arab Cup.

Both Pinnick and Jordaan are also trusted advisors to CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

Pinnick has built a reputation for his diplomatic skill and passion for pushing Africa’s agenda in global football. During his time at the NFF, he championed financial transparency and reforms, while advocating for more African representation in top FIFA decisions.  

Hisnew role is expected to give him a stronger voice in shaping competition formats, hosting rights, and qualification pathways for African teams.

Dr Jordaan’s journey to this point is equally impressive. Born in Port Elizabeth in 1951, he began as a player and coach before becoming one of South Africa’s most respected football administrators.

He is best remembered as the CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee a historic event that made South Africa the first African nation to host the global showpiece. That tournament not only united the continent but also boosted South Africa’s economy, creating jobs, infrastructure, and unforgettable memories.

Under his leadership at SAFA since 2013, South African football has recorded key achievements. Bafana Bafana reached the AFCON semi-finals in 2023, while Banyana Banyana broke barriers with their remarkable 2023 World Cup performance.

The FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee includes representatives from every continent with members such as Mark Bullingham (England), Pedro Proenca (Portugal), Abdoulaye Fall (Senegal), Song Kai (China), and others — reflecting FIFA’s global diversity.

For Africa, the appointments of Pinnick and Jordaan signal renewed hope for stronger representation and a louder voice in shaping the future of world football.