March 29, 2024, 01:39:47 AM

Author Topic: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football  (Read 9196 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« on: May 29, 2008, 06:05:03 PM »
Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
By Paul Kelso (UK Guardian)


Without the 2018 World Cup bid the England squad would be on holidays by now, writes Paul Kelso

Fabio Capello's England squad disembarked in Port of Spain last night at the start of a four-day trip to Trinidad officially intended to mark the centenary of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation. In reality Sunday night's fixture is the opening salvo in England's bid for the 2018 World Cup and perhaps the most nakedly political friendly the Football Association has ever agreed to play.

Capello will not care - the manager has embraced the trip as an opportunity to bring his squad together for an extended period ahead of his first competitive fixtures in the autumn - but the subtext to the game is acutely sensitive for the FA, which wants to avoid the impression that its bid is for sale. Even when speaking off-the-record senior figures will only state that they are delighted to be taking part in Trinidad's centennial celebrations.

Geoff Thompson, the former FA chairman, went further, telling the board that he would not agree to the game happening if it was purely to assist the 2018 bid. In truth, however, it is only taking place because of the bid, and this weekend's events provide an object lesson in the realpolitik in which the FA will have to engage if its bid is to have any chance of success.

The most controversial aspect of the trip is the involvement of Jack Warner, the effective head of the TTFF. As president of Concacaf, the North, Central American and Caribbean federation, Warner is one of the most powerful men in world football, a Fifa vice-president and a member of Fifa's executive committee, a close ally of Fifa's president, Sepp Blatter, and one of the men identified by the FA and its advisers as a key figure in delivering 2018 to England.

Unfortunately for the FA, Warner is perhaps the most controversial member of Fifa's high command. The complaints against him are legion, but two serve as illustration. The most serious charge is that he abused his position as head of the TTFF to acquire and sell tickets for the 2006 World Cup, the first that his nation had qualified for, through his family travel firm, Simpaul Travel. A Fifa investigation found that tickets allocated to the TTFF were sold on with a large mark-up by Warner's son Daryan. Despite this flagrant abuse of the spirit of a World Cup in which access to tickets was a huge issue, Fifa's executive committee limply pulled its punches, expressing only "disapproval" and allowing Warner to remain in post.

The World Cup in Germany also left Warner in dispute with his own players, who had to resort to arbitration to secure their contractual share of the TTFF's £13m profits from the tournament.

If the FA has reservations about dealing with Warner it is doing its best to conceal them. Its enthusiasm for this match was not always so apparent, however, and examining the history of the fixture it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that it is political. Three times in 2007 Warner wrote to Thompson asking whether England would be willing to play in Trinidad, receiving only a lukewarm response which gave him little cause for optimism.

Warner's response was not untypical; he went on the attack, using a BBC World Service interview in August to deride the FA's chances of winning the 2018 bid: "Nobody in Europe likes England. England - who invented the sport - has never had any impact on world football. England at no time has had the love and support of Europe. For Europe, England is an irritant. There are moves to give it to England. I must fight that."

Only when England's bid began to gather momentum did the fixture start to become a genuine prospect. A deal began to take shape when the FA retained European Consultancy Network to help shape its bid strategy. Run by Peter Hargitay, a former special adviser to Blatter, and Fifa's former communications director Markus Ziegler, ECN has close links to many members of the executive committee, including Warner, and it helped broker the deal. ECN, which is no longer retained by the FA, insists that at no point in negotiations was the 2018 bid mentioned explicitly.

It did not need to be as the FA soon set aside its reservations about the trip, not least the modest commercial return. As part of its terms it demanded that Warner "clarify" his comments about England. He duly did so, explaining that far from criticising England he was simply representing opinions he had heard from European executive committee members.

For its part the FA demanded that the game be on the BBC and that it should retain the European broadcast rights. The TTFF will retain the regional rights, and revenue from any other regions including the US, Central and South America or the Middle East will be split 50-50.

The FA hopes the fixture will insulate it from further attacks by Warner and that when the 24 executive committee members vote for the 2018 host nation, the visit will be remembered by him and the two other Concacaf representatives. They ought not to take it for granted, however.

Offline weary1969

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 27225
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2008, 06:25:47 PM »
Dis is d benchmark 4 political football
Today you're the dog, tomorrow you're the hydrant - so be good to others - it comes back!"

Offline WestCoast

  • The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses it simply
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 16066
  • "Let We Do What We Normally Does" :)
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2008, 07:24:17 PM »

and tanks for coming and by the way look out for the WC in 2018
Whatever you do, do it to the purpose; do it thoroughly, not superficially. Go to the bottom of things. Any thing half done, or half known, is in my mind, neither done nor known at all. Nay, worse, for it often misleads.
Lord Chesterfield
(1694 - 1773)

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2008, 08:38:59 PM »
England 2018 World Cup bid: Trinidad first port of call in campaign for hosting rights
By Henry Winter, Times


Last Updated: 2:53am BST 30/05/2008

England's pursuit of the 2018 World Cup could involve a £15?million odyssey around the planet, beginning here in the Caribbean home of Jack Warner, one of the 24 Fifa dignitaries who will decide where the tournament is staged. Other stops for Fabio Capello's men on the 2018 campaign trail could include Qatar, Tahiti, Cyprus, Guatemala, Argentina and the Ivory Coast.

As well as despatching England to pay goodwill visits, the FA are also considering asking leading Premier League clubs to play exhibition games in countries which possess Fifa votes. The German FA used Bundesliga clubs to win friends around the world in their successful bid for the 2006 tournament.

The FA will also exploit David Beckham's considerable charm as a global ambassador for 2018 and take advantage of Geoff Thompson's hugely influential position as a Fifa vice-chairman.

Soho Square knows it needs to run an inspired campaign, as good as the one Lord Coe helped orchestrate to land the 2012 Olympics for London, because the race for 2018 promises to be the toughest yet. "It will be a battle royal," observed David Davies, the former executive director of the FA who worked on the organisation's failed 2006 bid.

Such is the quantity and quality of candidates that Fifa may even narrow the field down to four "semi-finalists", who would make their pitches to the decisive Executive Committee meeting in 2011.

Playing matches in far-flung parts of the globe are no guarantee of securing votes, however. Although the game this Sunday will generate around £500,000, which will be split between the FA and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, Fifa executive committee members will not give up their highly prized vote in return for a one-off match.

"A match must be part of a package of support for countries where they need the support of the major football nations," said one source, familiar with the bidding process.

"If a game is used in that way, as is being done with the Trinidad match, then it could be hugely effective."

Davies added: "It is naive to suggest you don't look strategically at where you play. One of the successes of the ultimately unsuccessful 2006 bid is we did start playing some of these [vote-related] games. We went to Malta. We played the Saudis."

While 2011 may seem a long way off, the busy nature of the international calendar means there won't be too many dates available for the FA to exploit in the three seasons before the vote.

The FA chairman Lord Triesman, who is running the campaign for the next six months while the governing body searches for a permanent figurehead to front the bid, will have to be selective. And simply choosing the countries of executive committee members won't work either. The FA would be wise to consult the powerful presidents of the continental confederations who would no doubt be eager to curry favour by suggesting countries keen to play host to Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and company.

"Africa would definitely be one continent worth focusing on," said a bid insider. "Asia might be a waste of time because the votes there are already likely to be going to Australia but the Caribbean and South America would also be worthy of consideration."

For all the long-distance diplomacy that will be required to land the biggest sporting event after the Olympics, the key battleground for England is actually far closer to home.

The crowded field of European candidates - it will be 12 years since Germany 2006 by the time the 2018 World Cup rolls around - makes a deal with our continental neighbours essential.

As Davies explained: "You will have three candidates from Europe - England, Spain and Russia (and a lower-key Dutch-Belgian bid). The attractions of being in Europe, not least commercial, are real. But if you have Spain and England, let alone Russia, the competition is fierce.

"Spain will run a good campaign and I would suspect they would have South American support.

"If you were in Russia, you would point out that England have the 2012 Olympics. The Russians will say, 'There you go, it's the same old Western European countries wanting it again. It must be our turn'."

When you add China and America to the mix it is clear the 2018 contest is turning into a battle of the superpowers.

Nevertheless England would expect to be in the final four as they boast the stadiums, the crowds, the wide appeal of the Premier League, the memory of a well-organised Euro 96 and they would generate huge TV revenue.

But the FA know they need to woo potential supporters within Fifa which is why Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Theo Walcott are out here helping Warner celebrate the centenary of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation.

The Americans pointed out earlier this week that Concacaf, which Warner heads, will vote on block for them but the FA are focusing on second-round votes in 2011. "If America bids, Concacaf will support them but if they are out of it after the first ballot, England will expect to pick up those votes," added Davies. "Going to Trinidad now gives England a chance in the second round."

Offline marcpurcell

  • Sr. Warrior
  • ****
  • Posts: 332
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2008, 10:24:24 AM »
I dont think there is anyone who will vote against the English for the World Cup
Born in Montreal
Living in Toronto
But still a Barataria boy at heart

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #5 on: May 30, 2008, 07:07:46 PM »
Capello unseats England top brass on plane to Trinidad
By: Charles Sale, Daily Mail

30th May 2008

The FA have marginalised their International Committee to the extent that their representatives, who always used to have the front seats on the team bus, now don't even warrant a place on the aeroplane taking the team to Trinidad.

Stoke City's Peter Coates, Ipswich's David Sheepshanks and Sheffield United's Terry Robinson travelled with the excess England baggage on the BA flight from Gatwick on Thursday because there was no room for them on the 50-seat team charter from Luton.

England's head coach Fabio Capello watches his players during a national training session in Port of Spain

The team chef, kit men, physios, video operators and all of Fabio Capello's flunkies were given preference over the FA top brass, who couldn't even carry out their ambassador duties, like being met by CONCACAF chief Jack Warner off the England plane - as they weren't on it.

The FA trio were seemingly resigned to their dramatic loss of status, but other members of the International Committee were horrified.

The FA blamed the size of the squad and the fact that their usual, larger charter jet was unavailable. Meanwhile Wembley's £50m-plus losses must be worrying the FA, as they were planning to save £100,000 by flying the squad on a schedule flight via Miami. But it was knocked back on the grounds of the potential for mayhem caused by Beckham and Co changing planes in Florida.

The astonishing England backroom staff in Trinidad for the low-key friendly numbers 25. It includes the fifth Italian manager Capello has added to his staff under the radar - translator Christian Lattanzio, who is a motivator and psychologist at West Ham.

Capello's off-field translator Ruben Reggiani reckons this will be his last England trip, such has been the improvement in Fabio's English. And at least he was in business class for the trip, as opposed to his flight to Africa with Capello last month when he travelled economy.

England's legion of camp followers in the Caribbean includes goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence, who was expected to be axed when Capello appointed his own goalkeeping man, Franco Tancredi.

But Clemence was retained at the express wish of Capello, whose detailed proposals to the FA included the questionable need for an assistant keepers coach, as well as a second senior England international alongside Stuart Pearce. Clemence was the obvious choice.

England moving their hotel HQ from their long-time choice, Sopwell House near St Albans, hasn't bothered owner Abraham Berjerano.

His hotel is now the first choice of teams such as U.S.A. this week and the Czech Republic in August and Bergerano says it's a lot less hassle. "The England players really do think they're superstars, demanding this and that, while other countries are more down to earth."

One person conspicuous by his absence in the England party is football strategist Peter Hargitay, who helped set up the match in talks with Jack Warner that were part of his brief to prepare the FA's 2018 World Cup campaign policy.

Hargitay's inside track on FIFA matters, as president Sepp Blatter's former adviser, is such that he told the FA board five weeks ago that the 2018 bid would be a double tender with 2022. Blatter announced this at the FIFA Congress in Sydney only yesterday.

But the FA, in their wisdom, are putting their 2018 consultancy contract out to tender, thus alienating Hargitay's ECN company, who wouldn't have got involved with the FA in the first place or shared top intelligence with them if they weren't going to be involved later on.

Maybe such distractions aren't a problem for arch-disciplinarian Capello. But there was a Miss United Nations beauty pageant taking place in England's Hyatt Hotel base in Port of Spain last night.

As one England insider said: "It's a good job Sven isn't still in charge."


FA on costly Carribean cruise for votes
By Oliver Kay, Port of Spain, Trinidad (Times)


If England's players did not recognise the man with the iron handshake who greeted them on arrival here, the suits among the FA delegation certainly did. It was Jack Warner, Fifa vice-president, self-styled kingmaker in the forthcoming battle to host the World Cup 2018 finals and a man who last year described England as “an irritant” that “has never made any impact on world football” and claimed that the FA was disliked throughout the sport's global community.

To quote one source, the FA has “shaken hands with the devil” in agreeing to play Trinidad & Tobago in a match to mark the centenary of the two islands' football federation.

It is a stance that has nothing to do with the islands themselves, but everything to do with Warner, who the FA believe can help with the canvassing of votes for hosting the 2018 World Cup. As president of Concacaf (the North and Central American and Caribbean football federation), a vice-president of Fifa and a member of Fifa's executive committee, Warner is seen by the FA's bid team as an essential target in their charm offensive before the 2011 vote, but the FA maintains that it has neither sought nor received any guarantees from him as a condition of playing this fixture, even though, as The Times revealed last week, it will make a loss from the game.

The hope, as one source put it, is that he will “remember” the FA's cooperation, but any prospect of a pro-England block vote from the federation's 40 members has disappeared with the news that the United States plans a rival bid of its own.

Writing in tomorrow's match programme, Warner described England's visit as a “momentous event”, but the centenary celebrations have been overshadowed by a continuing dispute between him and many of the nation's players. Even on Thursday night, Warner pleaded with Dwight Yorke, now retired from international football, to feature as a “guest player”, but so far the Sunderland player has rejecting his advances, partly because no appearance fee could be agreed but partly because of his dissatisfaction with the treatment of the players who became national heroes after appearing in the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

Yorke will be at the centre of a pre-match presentation on the pitch, but the islands' two other most celebrated former players, Shaka Hislop and Russell Latapy, will not be present because of the continuing tension between the association and its players over a legal dispute relating to bonuses that were not paid after the World Cup.

Offline weary1969

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 27225
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #6 on: May 30, 2008, 07:16:00 PM »
Dey not lettin d FA 4get dat dey sell d soul. Can u imagine if dey eh get dat WC
Today you're the dog, tomorrow you're the hydrant - so be good to others - it comes back!"

Offline WestCoast

  • The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses it simply
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 16066
  • "Let We Do What We Normally Does" :)
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #7 on: May 30, 2008, 07:24:47 PM »
LOOK ting eh

"One person conspicuous by his absence in the England party is football strategist Peter Hargitay, who helped set up the match in talks with Jack Warner that were part of his brief to prepare the FA's 2018 World Cup campaign policy.
Hargitay's inside track on FIFA matters, as president Sepp Blatter's former adviser, is such that he told the FA board five weeks ago that the 2018 bid would be a double tender with 2022. Blatter announced this at the FIFA Congress in Sydney only yesterday."
Hagitay ent playin he guaranteeing Jackula's votes   

and Capello ent playin Politics oui
he kick dem off de plane :devil:
« Last Edit: May 30, 2008, 07:26:58 PM by WestCoast »
Whatever you do, do it to the purpose; do it thoroughly, not superficially. Go to the bottom of things. Any thing half done, or half known, is in my mind, neither done nor known at all. Nay, worse, for it often misleads.
Lord Chesterfield
(1694 - 1773)

Offline kounty

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 3153
  • Truthfulness is brighter than the light of the sun
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #8 on: May 31, 2008, 08:30:11 AM »
didn't jack say they give up the tv rights a while back?

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #9 on: May 31, 2008, 08:38:23 AM »
Becks as England captain could win Caribbean FIFA vote
From ANI


London, May 31: David Beckham is a shock contender to be named England captain for today's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.
   
According to The Independent, the game has been arranged so that the Football Association can secure the vote of the Caribbean nation's influential grandee Jack Warner for its 2018 World Cup bid, and Beckham making a token return to the captaincy is regarded as a way of winning over FIFA.

Beckham quit the England captaincy after elimination from the 2006 World Cup and made his comeback to the team only when Steve McClaren recalled him against Germany in August.

Warner is the president of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and is one of only 24 men who will vote on who will host the 2018 World Cup. He has already been pictured meeting Beckham off the team plane in the local press.

Although Fabio Capello is not given to cheap publicity stunts, a one-match captaincy for Beckham would enable Warner, who was involved in a 2006 World Cup ticketing scandal, to be seen glad-handing the most famous footballer on the planet.

The England manager is thought to be considering the idea. He has given Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry the chance to prove themselves as potential long-term captains.

Beckham won his 101st cap against the United States on Wednesday and will be a key part of the FA's 2018 World Cup bid as it develops over the next few years.

His popularity in the Caribbean was obvious at an open training session in Port of Spain yesterday when the locals met his every touch with applause and cheers.

Capello has given his players no indication yet who will get the final chance to audition for the role of captain tomorrow - before he makes his decision for the Czech Republic friendly on August 20.

Offline FLi !

  • Luck is recognising the opportunities when they arise
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 1520
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #10 on: May 31, 2008, 09:55:44 AM »

FA on costly Carribean cruise for votes
By Oliver Kay, Port of Spain, Trinidad (Times)



Who is the copy editor of the weekend Times....Caribbean has ONE R, TWO B'S!
« Last Edit: May 31, 2008, 10:01:06 AM by FLi ! »
Director of Waggonist Prosecutions (DWP)

Special Advisor to WN(UK)

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #11 on: May 31, 2008, 10:54:03 AM »
Warner warns England over Cup bid
BBC Sport


Warner can see David Beckham playing a big part in England's bid

Fifa vice-president Jack Warner has warned that England's "arrogance" could cost them the chance of hosting the World Cup in 2018.

Warner has given his backing to England's bid but believes the way the country is perceived by other European nations could be a problem.

"England has never been viewed as part of Europe," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"England should reintegrate back into Uefa and then that bond, fellowship and togetherness will be there."

Warner is viewed as one of the most powerful men in world football and his importance can be traced back to England's failed 2006 World Cup bid when three of England's five votes came from him.

The 65-year-old president of Concacaf, which covers North and Central America, and the Caribbean, has again given his support to England ahead of their friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, but said that alone may not be enough.

"The catalyst of my support for England for the bid for 2018 is because I don't believe any country of England's football pedigree should not have a world cup for almost 50 years.

"England, a country that invented the sport and with all the facilities England has, has not hosted a world cup and I think it is wrong.

"It is against this background that I supported England for 2006. In 2006, when England only had five votes, I gave them three.

"I said to Tony Banks (leader of England's bid) then that they will not win the bid because they didn't have European support.

"Even now, if England gets support from outside, she still needs at least two or three people in Europe to give support."

He added: "I also think there have been too many changes of the leadership of the FA over the years.

"People don't really know its leaders - as soon as you get to know somebody then that person goes for whatever reason. There has to be some kind of longevity in terms of the leadership.

"Finally, England has to try to remove or reduce what people perceive to be arrogance - rightly or wrongly.

"What England needs is to have somebody like a David Beckham to be its ambassador out there to sell the idea. Beckham is loved by all. Beckham is like Pele and therefore use him to sell the idea.

"If these things are done and done quickly, I don't see a problem."

It is clear Warner believes Beckham's standing in world football can play a vital role in England's bid and he is keen to see the LA Galaxy midfielder play a more active role.

"For many people it would bring a legitimacy to the bid," he said.

"Beckham will be speaking to the powers that be - the people that matter - and letting them know England's time is now and that he is contributed in someway towards making that a reality.

"I think that particularly young people look up to Beckham. Whatever you may say of Beckham, he is an icon and an idol internationally."

Beckham reclaims armband
The Press Association


David Beckham has been given back the captain's armband for England's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain.

The 33-year-old midfielder had doubts over his international future since the last World Cup and even after winning a place back in the squad was then made to wait for his 100th cap when Fabio Capello took charge.

Capello has been looking at who his permanent captain will be and has given the armband to Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and will now give Beckham his 59th game as skipper.

The move could be interpreted as a means of winning favour with FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who holds an important vote in the process of England's 2018 World Cup bid.

Beckham has been cheered and given the warmest welcome of England's players in the Caribbean and at open training and a coaching clinic fans chanted his name.

Leading England out of the tunnel at Hasely Crawford Stadium would be seen as a perfect start to the match to mark the centenary of football in Trinidad and Tobago.

Beckham has also recently shown Capello he could have a role in World Cup qualifiers next season - he set up the opener against the USA with a set-piece when chances were proving difficult to create.

Although his free-kicks and corners have never been in doubt, the quality of MLS football has often been questioned. Beckham has a match against Colorado Rapids next weekend when his England team-mates will be on holiday.

"Everyone knows it is one of the biggest honours you can be given as football player to captain your country, or even to play for your country," said Beckham.

Offline WestCoast

  • The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses it simply
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 16066
  • "Let We Do What We Normally Does" :)
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #12 on: May 31, 2008, 03:56:00 PM »

FA on costly Carribean cruise for votes
By Oliver Kay, Port of Spain, Trinidad (Times)



Who is the copy editor of the weekend Times....Caribbean has ONE R, TWO B'S!
FLi!, ya expecting TOO much man ;D
Yes, it is really sad
even on this forum we get reports from "Media" :whistling: people that have players names spelt wrong ::)
Whatever you do, do it to the purpose; do it thoroughly, not superficially. Go to the bottom of things. Any thing half done, or half known, is in my mind, neither done nor known at all. Nay, worse, for it often misleads.
Lord Chesterfield
(1694 - 1773)

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #13 on: May 31, 2008, 06:11:42 PM »
Warner changes tack to back England 2018 bid
The Observer


Jack Warner, a Fifa vice-president and a key power-broker being wooed by the FA in their campaign to win the 2018 World Cup bid, last night told Observer Sport that England now has a very strong chance of hosting the tournament.

Speaking exclusively to Observer Sport, Warner, the secretary of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation, described as 'dubious' the success of any potential bid from the United States, the country viewed as England's closest rival for the tournament, despite also being president of Concacaf, the North, Central American and Caribbean federation, of which the US is a member. 'From the point of view of fair play between America and England then it should be England,' said Warner.

The decision will be taken in 2011 and Europe, which holds eight votes, will cast them en bloc, which makes the support of Warner crucial as Concacaf's four would leave England needing just a half vote from the 24-strong Fifa executive.

'England should hold the World Cup. By 2018 it will be 52 years since they have hosted the tournament,' said Warner. 'The English league is the most popular, it had the three strongest teams in the Champions League semi-finals. I want England. And it should be remembered that for the 2006 tournament Concacaf voted for England,' he added.

Fabio Capello's team are in Port of Spain and play Trinidad & Tobago at 5.30pm local time today. The long trip to the Caribbean is ostensibly to celebrate 100 years of the TTFF, but is really a fundamental component of the FA's strategy to shore up Warner's support for its bid.

Before England's 2-0 defeat of the USA at Wembley last Wednesday the US Soccer Federation announced it was likely to bid when president Sunil Galati said it wanted 'to finish what it started' following USA 94. 'The US will assess if a bid is realistic,' Warner said. 'Only if it thinks it can win will it then attempt to do so. But the US has to change its perception before the world at large. If the US did bid I would have to support it, but if they were to do so it is dubious whether it would be successful.'

England last hosted the 1966 World Cup, which they also won. Football in the US has the stadiums, a sport with a profile boosted by the presence of David Beckham at LA Galaxy and can point to the success of the 1994 tournament, which was highly attended. But Warner pointed out that, like other countries, the 2018 tournament would be a second opportunity for it to host the World Cup which England is yet to do saying, 'in Europe there has [only] been Germany and Italy'.

Last year Warner, a controversial figure whose son was found by Fifa to have sold tickets for the last World Cup at marked-up prices, repeatedly wrote to the FA to request that today's game take place and was ignored. This prompted him to force the governing body's hand with an outburst last August in which he said: 'England is an irritant - there are moves to give it [the World Cup] to England. I must fight that.'

His abrupt U-turn indicates the wisdom of England's visit to Trinidad, though the FA are refusing to speak of their true motive. Warner, though, is happy to discuss why England are there. 'The match here is historic and a catalyst for [our] support,' he said.

A former FA executive, who was involved in the 2006 bid, told Observer Sport that the FA's silence is a mistake. 'The Germans have been going around the world for years to garner support,' he said of the country that was successful in winning the 2006 bid. 'And, if you talk to the FA about the development they have done in the Caribbean in terms of refereeing and coaching courses over the last 10 years you would get some very impressive answers. If I was out there I'd be shouting about that.'

Warner confirmed the importance of this. 'The FA have been very supportive of these courses - if they had not been as helpful [then they would not have been as successful]. I am very grateful to them,' he added.

In Europe England may well have to compete with bids from Spain, Russia, Holland-Belgium and possibly a Scandanavian bid, the source confirmed. Australia also seems certain to mount a serious challenge.

Offline WestCoast

  • The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses it simply
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 16066
  • "Let We Do What We Normally Does" :)
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #14 on: May 31, 2008, 06:19:14 PM »
"described as 'dubious' the success of any potential bid from the United States, the country viewed as England's closest rival for the tournament, "
and as Jackula would concur

To the Higest Bidder goes the spoils..................wait sorry..................may the best country win
Whatever you do, do it to the purpose; do it thoroughly, not superficially. Go to the bottom of things. Any thing half done, or half known, is in my mind, neither done nor known at all. Nay, worse, for it often misleads.
Lord Chesterfield
(1694 - 1773)

Offline weary1969

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 27225
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #15 on: May 31, 2008, 10:21:58 PM »
I eh go b able 2 contain meh self if after goin through all dem hoops England get a shaft
Today you're the dog, tomorrow you're the hydrant - so be good to others - it comes back!"

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #16 on: May 31, 2008, 11:48:25 PM »
Warner in 'arrogant' blast at FA
Steve Bates, people.co.uk


Fifa big-wig Jack Warner has launched an amazing attack on the 'arrogance' of English football and its bosses - and claimed only David Beckham can win the 2018 World Cup bid for the nation.

Just hours before England play Trinidad in the Port of Spain tonight to mark their centenary celebrations, Fifa vice-president Warner - boss of the CONCACAF Federation - caused uproar by blasting the FA for their revolving door policy of hierarchy changes at Soho Square.

Warner branded FA chairman Lord Triesman a nobody and claimed chief executive Brian Barwick has a major job on his hands to make England a popular choice to host the 2018 World Cup before branding Premier League boss Richard Scudamore a 'thief in the night'.

England may have sent a team loaded with big names to celebrate Trinidad's anniversary in a bid to curry favour with Warner ahead of their bid for the 2018 World Cup.

But it didn't prevent Warner hammering the FA as he watched David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and David James mix with local youngsters in Trinidad.

Rapped Warner: "The FA have to do so many things differently compared to their 2006 bid if they are to be successful this time.

"Most important is to find the means to divert people from the belief that there is a kind of arrogance in England.

"Whether that is a perceived arrogance is not important - it has to be removed. In recent years there have been so many changes in the leadership of the FA that nobody knows who the leader is.

"There was a time when Graham Kelly was in charge and everyone knew who the leader of the FA was.

"Who is the chairman? Nobody knows.

"England have to make sure they use David Beckham as their ambassador to meet and influence people.

"Beckham is an icon. There is nobody in the world today who can rival him. "I would let him do for England what he did for London's Olympic bid."

Warner claims he WILL support England's bid for 2018 - but only AFTER the USA's bid has floundered.

"England has the football history, pedigree and infrastructure. You name it.

"There are few countries that you could say can hold a World Cup and should have it tomorrow. England is one. A country like England should not have to wait 52 years."

On Scudamore's plan for a 39th Premier League game on foreign soil, Warner said: "Let me tell you something. That 39th game might not have been a bad idea.

"If...what is the guy's name? Scudamore? If he had done his job properly and talked to FIFA and talked to UEFA then announced it, fine. But he came like a thief in the night."

'Who is the chairman of the FA? These days nobody knows'
« Last Edit: May 31, 2008, 11:55:22 PM by E-man »

Offline WestCoast

  • The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses it simply
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 16066
  • "Let We Do What We Normally Does" :)
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #17 on: May 31, 2008, 11:54:48 PM »
armm.............Austin....have you taken your meds today??



"If...what is the guy's name? Scudamore? If he had done his job properly and talked to FIFA and talked to UEFA then announced it, fine. But he came like a thief in the night."
Dais what Hunt must have said about your Womens FIFA Under-17 World Cups in 2010 bid.
You just shoved it on the Government.
« Last Edit: June 01, 2008, 12:16:52 AM by WestCoast »
Whatever you do, do it to the purpose; do it thoroughly, not superficially. Go to the bottom of things. Any thing half done, or half known, is in my mind, neither done nor known at all. Nay, worse, for it often misleads.
Lord Chesterfield
(1694 - 1773)

Offline 100% Barataria

  • aka Nachilus
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 5014
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #18 on: May 31, 2008, 11:58:24 PM »
Warner in 'arrogant' blast at FA
Steve Bates, people.co.uk



Rapped Warner: "The FA have to do so many things differently compared to their 2006 bid if they are to be successful this time.

"Most important is to find the means to divert people from the belief that there is a kind of arrogance in England.

"Whether that is a perceived arrogance is not important - it has to be removed. In recent years there have been so many changes in the leadership of the FA that nobody knows who the leader is.

"There was a time when Graham Kelly was in charge and everyone knew who the leader of the FA was.

"Who is the chairman? Nobody knows.


"England have to make sure they use David Beckham as their ambassador to meet and influence people.

"Beckham is an icon. There is nobody in the world today who can rival him. "I would let him do for England what he did for London's Olympic bid."

Warner claims he WILL support England's bid for 2018 - but only AFTER the USA's bid has floundered.

"England has the football history, pedigree and infrastructure. You name it.

"There are few countries that you could say can hold a World Cup and should have it tomorrow. England is one. A country like England should not have to wait 52 years."

On Scudamore's plan for a 39th Premier League game on foreign soil, Warner said: "Let me tell you something. That 39th game might not have been a bad idea.

"If...what is the guy's name? Scudamore? If he had done his job properly and talked to FIFA and talked to UEFA then announced it, fine. But he came like a thief in the night."

'Who is the chairman of the FA? These days nobody knows'


People who live in glass houses should not throw stones, absolutely ridiculous
Education is our passport for the future for the future belongs to those who prepare for it today

Offline dinho

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8591
  • Yesterday is Yesterday and Today is Today!
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #19 on: June 01, 2008, 12:04:20 AM »
This is not an arrogant blast, the man is talking the truth...
         

Offline redtrinigirl

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 912
    • View Profile
    • A Trini In London
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #20 on: June 01, 2008, 07:07:59 AM »
Omar boy, the tone of this article just highlighting exactly what Warner talked about. You have to come here or live here to know bout it. But the arrogance of the english is soooooo true. That is their problem, why so many things going off the rails in this country. But in true british deluded fashion, not only will they refuse to admit that there is a problem, but they will attack anyone who says there is a problem.
Attraction of the Mind gives Respect.
Attraction of the Heart gives Friendship.
Attraction of the Body gives Desire.

Attraction of all Three of them at once …
gives Love.

[

Offline weary1969

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 27225
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #21 on: June 01, 2008, 07:11:11 AM »
D problem is daJW is a case of satan correctin sin. All d arrogance aside wit d Brits TTT see a way 2 make money on dey head
Today you're the dog, tomorrow you're the hydrant - so be good to others - it comes back!"

Offline FLi !

  • Luck is recognising the opportunities when they arise
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 1520
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #22 on: June 01, 2008, 08:55:56 AM »
so he's on a mission to singlehandedly upbraid England for their centuries of an arrogant and imperialistic attitude with respect to other countries.

Interesting...this seems akin to calls for the TTFF to have transparency, accountability and non corrupt practices in their football administration

and as 100% Barataria pointed out....no one even knows who the President of the TTFF is!! Ollie who ?
Director of Waggonist Prosecutions (DWP)

Special Advisor to WN(UK)

Offline weary1969

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 27225
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #23 on: June 01, 2008, 11:37:18 PM »
Dey call he name 2 day is Oliver Camps so in d future when dey want 2 know d prez dey go playback d tape because we know his stellar contributions will continue and de go 4get him
Today you're the dog, tomorrow you're the hydrant - so be good to others - it comes back!"

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
England's FA: "Shaking Hands with the Devil"
« Reply #24 on: June 02, 2008, 12:30:15 PM »
England's FA: "Shaking Hands with the Devil"
by Bill Archer (BigSoccer)


For a football traditionalist, this was a painful, even soul-wrenching weekend.

The sight of the proud old English FA down in Trinidad & Tobago, bowing and scraping and kissing the ring of Jack Warner, a disgraceful, venal, amoral old modern day Sauron was sad in the extreme.

The fact that this public humiliation is recognized all over the world for exactly what is was - the Times called it A COSTLY CRUISE FOR VOTES and quoted a source as saying it amounted to "shaking hands with the devil" - most likely only made it all the more satisfying for Warner, a notorious racist who once told a reporter that "no white man will ever order me around".


In case you have missed just how it is the FA, inventors of the game and keepers of the true flame of football ended up spending the weekend groveling at the feet of a disgusting old thief like Warner, a quick review:

Back in August, England announced that they were planning on making a bid for the 2018 World Cup. CONCACAF Supremo Warner immediately LET LOOSE WITH BOTH BARRELS:

“There are moves to give (the World Cup) to England. I must fight that” Warner told reporters.

"Nobody in Europe likes England. England – who invented the sport – has never had any impact on world football.... For Europe, England is an irritant.”

Alarmed, the FA raced out and signed international fixer Peter Hargitay, the shady head of a shadowy international espionage-and-thuggery-for hire firm who, not coincidentally, is listed as a "Special Advisor" to FIFA Poobah Sepp Blatter.

Hargitay's first order of business was to turn Warner around, and as we all know there's only one way to do that: give him money.

So he arranged for England to play T&T in a pointless friendly that no one wanted but that would be incredibly lucrative for Warner. Not surprisingly, Warner immediately stopped badmouthing England.

Unfortunately, after an expose in The Sunday Herald by the incomparable Andrew Jennings, the FA announced that Hargitay's contract was only short term, something which came as a surprise to him. He has launched a lawsuit and is threatening to go to work for the Russians.


Thus it was that after the US match in Wenbley, the England team, disgruntled, tired and desperately in need of a break after the 10 month EPL season, ended up stepping off a plane in beautiful Port-of-Spain last week.

There at the bottom of the ramp, shaking each player's hand, was Jack Warner himself.


England coach Fabio Capello then announced that David Beckham, a wildly popular figure in T&T and a particular favorite of Warner's, had been re-named Captain of the England squad.


Warner was delighted. Most other observers were appalled. Nothing against Beckham, but everyone knew it was done at Warner's request. CAPELLO HIMSELF FELT THE NEED TO DENY THAT IT WAS DONE AS A SOP TO WARNER.

Nobody believes him, PARTICULARLY THE BRITISH SPORTING PRESS which is roasting Capello alive for it. As the article notes, "the man who sent this national treasure to train with the reserves when manager of Real Madrid and left him out of his first England squad, is suddenly considering him for the long-term captaincy."

The players were then whisked off to various events around the island, leading clinics for children and being the attraction at various "receptions" for which attendees forked over more money directly to Warner.

Then yesterday, prior to the match itself, Warner started making some peculiar statements. One measure of just how odd they were is that the British press ran wildly divergent accounts of just what he said.

thePEOPLE.uk is calling the statements "An arrogant blast at the FA" and The Mirror characterized it as A HUMILIATING BROADSIDE at the people who run the FA.

On the other hand, other sources, like THE DAILY MAIL SAY THAT WARNER IS NOW BEHIND THE ENGLAND BID.

Still others are pointing out that while Warner may now be making nice noises about the England bid, he is also saying that he will support England only if the US bid fails.

(Just for good measure, Warner also blasted the FA FOR DISASSOCIATING ITSELF FROM PETER HARGITAY, who may seem to be a cynically corrupt international criminal to you and I, but to Jack he's just another old reliable pal)

Into the teeth of this controversy, and while the team was still in T&T sitting and rolling over and barking at Warner's command, Andrew Jennings, the man Warner has banned from his media conferences, WROTE THIS EXPLOSIVE EXPOSE for The Sunday Herald.

I urge you to read it in full. You'll need a shower afterwards, but it's worth it.

Among other things, Jennings says that the whole thing is a fraud, that Warner has no intentions of living up to his bargain with England.

Neither does he believe Jack will support the US bid, despite his embarrassing description oif USSF President Sunil Gulati as being part of the "entourage" dutifully following Warner around Australia last week.

(We needn't bother feeling superior here, folks: it isn't just the FA that kisses Jack ass. Sunil Gulati's lips are as puckered up as anyones, and Warner loves every second of it.)

Jennings says that in fact, Warner is getting ready to support a pending Mexico bid. Unlike the US, where there are financial transparency laws, independent courts and the IRS and FBI to watch over him, in Mexico all that sort of thing is, shall we say, much more flexible.

Put another way, in the end, Warner is going to do the most profitable thing, and for him the opportunity to make an enormous killing is not in England or the US, it's in Mexico.

But Warner's tirade before the match yesterday had another point altogether: it seems that FA President Lord Richard Triesman didn't accompany the team to T&T.
Rather, he stayed home because he had scheduled some surgery, and Jack Warner is very unhappy about it.

Warner feels that Triesman should have postponed the surgery and come to T&T to pay homage, and is angry about it.

Fortunately, he says he can forgive Triesman for this insult if Lord Richard comes to the big T&T Centenary dinner this summer.

Anyone want to take bets on whether he shows up?

All in all, a sad, pathetic weekend in T&T, with the FA performing as Jack Warner's lapdog in front of the entire world. And Jack loving every minute of it.

Offline Bakes

  • Promethean...
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 21980
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #25 on: June 02, 2008, 12:55:08 PM »
Professional hatchett job...


Archer is better than that.

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
Warner appeased over FA chief snub
« Reply #26 on: June 02, 2008, 06:01:23 PM »
Warner appeased over FA chief snub
By Charles Sale, Daily Mail


Last updated at 11:59 PM on 02nd June 2008

THE FA have moved quickly to ensure their chairman Lord Triesman's own goal in snubbing the trip to Trinidad does not harm England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Triesman, whose absence was all the more embarrassing because he had written a column in the match programme, has accepted an invitation from FIFA vice-president Jack Warner to attend a gala dinner in September to celebrate the centenary of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation.

Warner had warned of the consequences if Triesman failed to attend the star-studded event during his attack on the cold, faceless FA not doing enough to make themselves popular. Bet365 chief Peter Coates, one of the FA international committee members not important enough to warrant a seat on the team flight to the Caribbean, also helped repair some of the damage with an impressive speech to the TTFF, in which he apologised for Triesman's absence.

Warner was certainly made aware of the efforts the FA trio of Brian Barwick, Simon Johnson and Jane Bateman had made in travelling 32 hours non-stop from the FIFA congress in Sydney to make the match in Port-of-Spain.

Triesman, speaking to Five Live's Brian Alexander on a 2018 World Cup bid programme tonight, explains his priority is FA restructuring before he turns his attention to foreign affairs.

He adds: 'I've already built up a good relationship with Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini and will get to know the other world football leaders over the next few months. 'I hope we can win Jack Warner's vote on merit and I fully realise we have to integrate ourselves into the football family in order to do so.'

Record-breaking Test batsman Brian Lara, Trinidad's great sporting hero, might have received a louder ovation before the England match than even David Beckham, but FIFA vice-president Jack Warner insists 'cricket is dead' in the Caribbean.

Warner added: 'Nobody plays cricket. Who wants to take five days to play for a draw. Five days? Go to Antigua and there is nobody there. They're playing Australia, but nobody goes.' Rather more predictably, Warner added: 'Football is on the up and has done more for this country than tourism. Before the 2006 World Cup, people thought we were part of Jamaica.'

Football medal ceremonies, which hit an all-time low when chief executive Peter Kenyon led up Chelsea to receive their Champions League runners-up gongs, had another landmark moment in Trinidad. The number of medals handed out after England's friendly victory was so ludicrous that even FA security chief Ray Whitworth received one - and he doesn't look like he's ever kicked a ball.

Warner gives Triesman chance to salvage England's World Cup bid
Daily Mail


Last updated at 11:36 PM on 01st June 2008

A dinner in Trinidad this September to celebrate the local FA's centenary has emerged as vital to England's 2018 World Cup bid after the serious blunder made by FA chairman Lord Triesman in missing the FIFA Congress in Sydney and England's friendly match in Port-of-Spain.

FIFA vice-president Jack Warner intends to invite Triesman to the gala event despite the frustration the CONCACAF overlord has voiced about him deciding not to travel to Australia or the Caribbean following a minor operation that could easily have been delayed and which did not stop him appearing on TV yesterday.

Warner suggested it will need Triesman's presence to make up for a no-show that threatens to undermine all the goodwill built up by England's visit this week.

Warner said: 'I'm surprised and disappointed Lord Triesman didn't go to the Congress or come here. He said to me in a letter that he had to undergo an operation. I felt that if it could have been postponed, it should have been.

'He's missed a golden opportunity to bond with his fellows. They've heard all kinds of things about him, positive and negative. But there's nothing like a face-to-face meeting.

'The reasons some people give me for why he's not here, I'd not like to tell you. I would hope that they are not the truth, that he didn't want to associate with me for all kinds of reasons.

'I will invite him again when we have our centennial dinner. We are having Sepp Blatter here, Pele, Michel Platini - you name it, they'll be here. I'll invite him again. For all kinds of reasons, I want to see what happens.

'I'm giving him a platform so that he can talk to people. You can't win the bid, whatever Lord or Lady you are, by staying in London. You win the bid by bonding with people.'

Sheepshanks mucks in with the press

FA board member David Sheepshanks willingly broke out from the Team England bubble and mucked in perfectly on a boat trip off Port-of-Spain with the press and photographers. This demonstrated what a huge loss it was to the FA when Geoff Thompson somehow defeated Sheepshanks in a leadership election eight long years ago.

Yorke enjoys his night on the town

Trinidad's favourite footballer Dwight Yorke, who only agreed terms to play against England last Thursday, did most of his celebrating before kick-off judging by the amount of time he was spotted in Port-of-Spain nightspots in the build-up to yesterday's international.

FA unwise to fall out with Hargitay, says Warner

Jack Warner, who carries three out of the 24 FIFA votes on the World Cup venue and influences others, has questioned the FA's wisdom in falling out with his football strategist friend Peter Hargitay. The FA tendered for 2018 consultants after Hargitay's European Consultancy Networks had prepared the bid campaign policy. Warner said ominously: 'It's unfortunate. Peter could have been an asset in many ways. It was not a prudent thing to dispense with ECN. The timing is not good.'

Geoff must lighten up

Former FA chairman Geoff Thompson was the figure Warner had in mind when he spoke about the FA being a cold, faceless organisation. And Warner, who had to introduce himself to current FA chief executive Brian Barwick at the FIFA Congress, says it is vital for the the 2018 World Cup bid that Thompson now works for England's cause within UEFA and FIFA rather than just looking after himself.

Warner said: 'Geoff Thompson must play a pivotal part. He must see his role not only as being a vice-president of UEFA and FIFA, but also as an ambassador for England. He has to be warm, friendlier and embracing.'

Beckham still a draw on the world stage

David Beckham's global status, even in semi-retirement with Los Angeles Galaxy, was summed up when Trinidad and Tobago's special adviser Jack Warner said 'they would have killed me in this country' if England had come without the midfielder. But the FA insist Beckham's appearance was not part of any commercial deal for last night's match.


Politics Invades Celebration in Trinidad
By JACK BELL, New York Times


Published: June 3, 2008

In the often politicized world of soccer, England’s recent four-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago to celebrate that country’s soccer centenary was, well, political.

Jack Warner, a special adviser to Trinidad’s soccer federation, is also the top official in the regional governing body, Concacaf, and a member of FIFA’s powerful executive committee. He was clearly being wooed by English officials, who are seeking support for their bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Warner would be expected to support regional bids from the United States and Mexico, but he told The Daily Telegraph of London that “America will not win” on the first ballot, which would make his vote available on subsequent ballots.

But beyond the festivities in Port of Spain, where England won Sunday, 3-0, Trinidad’s federation and Warner have been involved in a dispute with 16 players from the 2006 World Cup team over how to divide the tournament booty. Last week, an arbitrator in London ruled that the players were entitled to half of the federation’s profit, which is estimated to be $28 million. A hearing later this month will decide who receives what.

“Not a single member of the team was even offered a ticket to the game,” Shaka Hislop said of the match with England in a telephone interview from Dallas. He was the goalkeeper on the World Cup team and is currently a soccer analyst for ESPN. Only one of the players involved in the dispute, Dwight Yorke, attended the centenary celebration.

“Everyone can see it was simply a way for England to get on the good side of one of FIFA’s most powerful men,” Hislop said.

After the arbitrator’s ruling, Hislop said, the players feel “some relief and a lot of justification” in their feud with the federation in Trinidad. “We entered into an agreement, one that Mr. Warner offered us, for 50 percent of the profits,” he said. “This is our trade, this is how we earn our living. It took a special group of players to take it to the courtroom.”
« Last Edit: June 02, 2008, 08:47:02 PM by E-man »

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #27 on: June 04, 2008, 05:14:56 PM »
Why the FA had to swallow its pride and cosy up to Warner
By: Lawrence Donegan in the United States (UK Guardian)


Thursday June 5 2008

A great white shark with a reckless streak might have had second thoughts before swimming into the soup of intrigue that immersed England's trip to Trinidad & Tobago at the weekend, a football occasion remarkable mostly for the utter irrelevancy of the football match which broke out in the midst of all the glad-handing.

God knows what it must have been like to be trapped in the middle of it all - for that we will have to wait for the next volume of David Beckham's autobiography - but viewed from afar it looked like a grim business. Even Fabio Capello, the great disciple of the cold, unvarnished truth, was reduced to mouthing a succession of diplomatic platitudes about the usefulness of the trip; about the sincerity of Beckham's appointment as captain; about everything, really.

Thank heavens a 3-0 victory was secured, otherwise the fallout from the trip would have been even uglier. As it stands, the recriminations have hardly been edifying, with everyone involved, the kit man excepted, being accused of crimes of debasement, not least the selling of the nation's football soul in the cause of winning support for the 2018 World Cup bid.

Hard though it must have been for the men from the Football Association to read tales of their own pragmatism, it will have come as some consolation to discover they were not the most severely criticised in this unseemly affair.
No, that distinction belonged to Jack Warner, the "special adviser" of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation, the vice-president of Fifa and, it is widely assumed, the man whose personal whim - not to mention the three votes he controls when Fifa comes to decide the site for the 2018 tournament - was the sole reason for England's trip to the Caribbean.

Not that you would realise as much after the trashing of Warner's reputation in recent days, but one should be careful about what one says about the man. He is not, despite impressions to the contrary, the devil incarnate. What he undoubtedly is, however, is a man who has collected enemies through the years, partly because he has battled ferociously for the interests of football in North and Central America and the Caribbean (Concacaf) and partly as a consequence of his involvement in some questionable practices.

There seems little doubt that Warner has stretched the rules to breaking point - there was some wholly unsavoury business which saw him censured for using his position to acquire tickets for the 2006 World Cup which were then sold on by his family-owned travel company - but it is beyond dispute that he is not the only powerful figure in football who has been accused of profiting from his position through the years.

The grim reality of Fifa, a bureaucracy which to the untrained eye seems largely free of any serious legal supervision, is that backs are scratched, favours are exchanged and, occasionally, inconvenient codes of behaviour locked away in the bottom drawer. Such practices are to be condemned, of course, but they must also be confronted, especially if, like the FA, you are seeking the greatest prize Fifa has to offer.

Either you mount your high horse and declare you want nothing to do with such an amoral organisation, or you hold your nose and ride your trusty steed into the swamp. In agreeing to travel to Port of Spain, the FA chose the latter option. For this they should not be ridiculed, but shown a degree of understanding. They have not committed an act of moral cowardice, rather they have recognised the difference between the way we want the world to be and the way the world really is.

It might not have been the proudest moment in the FA's history but it may be one of its most successful, especially with Warner suggesting that the United States - which he is duty-bound as the head of Concacaf to support in any World Cup bid - might want to consider stepping aside in favour of England's 2018 bid. "My message to the USA is to try and make a deal for 2022," he said. "The kind of discussion I would have between England and the US is 'Will you support me in 2022?'"

As interventions go, this hardly sounds decisive but in the netherworld where people like Jack Warner conduct their business it marked what could be a crucial moment in England's efforts to win the 2018 bid. At the very least it
was well worth the price of a photo-opportunity with Beckham.

Offline Bakes

  • Promethean...
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 21980
    • View Profile
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #28 on: June 04, 2008, 07:33:32 PM »
Get to f**k over it already... steups


I'm sick of reading all these disparaging articles as though our Centennial was just some sham and not an actual observation of football in TnT.  If not that then they're all making it seem as though England had absolutely nothing to gain from the experience...and that Trinidad also had nothing to gain, or if we had anything to gain from it at all our interests are unimportant.

e-man please provide a link so that I could write Lawrence Donegan and tell him exactly where he can stick his article.

Offline E-man

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 8711
  • Support all Warriors. Red, White and Blacklisted.
    • View Profile
    • T&T Football History
Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football
« Reply #29 on: June 04, 2008, 08:49:29 PM »

e-man please provide a link so that I could write Lawrence Donegan and tell him exactly where he can stick his article.

I just noticed this Donegan fellow is the blasted golf reporter - why did they have him write that. Anyway you can comment here
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/06/05/why_the_fa_had_to_swallow_its.html

 

1]; } ?>