Jordaan had been widely tipped to be given the CEO's position, a role he filled in South Africa's Bid Company which won the right to host Africa's first ever World Cup but has now been told to apply for the position like every other candidate interested in the position.

"As per corporate governance principles, the CEO position will be advertised and Jordaan, if he wants it, will have to apply." SAFA president Molefi Oliphant told South African Sunday newspapers

FIFA Press officer Emmanuel Maradas said yesterday: "This is not a South African event. It is FIFA's event. Hence the need to appoint trusted and competent individuals to lead the 2010 event. Danny is the most trusted individual among FIFA officials and duly, should play a leading administrative role leading up to 2010. He is the most trusted person, who managed to convince FIFA to give South Africa the World Cup. Therefore, he should be the most senior official to drive the organisation for 2010."

Influential Premiership Executive Committee member and Kaizer Chiefs boss Kaizer Motaung also echoed the praise of Jordaan "Nobody in South Africa is more qualified to lead the 2010 than Danny Jordaan. I don't see anyone in the country who can drive this project better than Danny," said Motaung.

Last month, Jordaan returned to his old job as the chief executive officer of the Safa on the back of popular demands from several of the association's affiliates.