The Trinidad and Tobago Pro League's executive committee still await talks with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) regarding the involvement of the national under-20 team in their 2009 competition-a full two weeks after the teenagers qualified for the Egypt 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene told the Express that he contacted TTFF general secretary Richard Groden to set up a meeting but a date was yet to be set. He is confident that the two parties would meet soon.
The 2009 Pro League season kicks off on April 24 and the inclusion of Police, South End and the under-20 teams-despite the withdrawal of North East Stars-brings the number of competitors to 12.
However, there is concern regarding several issues with the national youth team's participation, such as insurance and salaries, particularly in cases where the national players are already established members of their respective Pro League clubs.
Robert Primus and Sheldon Bateau represented Pro League champions, CLICO San Juan Jabloteh, last season, while goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel, striker Jamal Clarance (both United Petrotrin) and midfielder Marcus Joseph (South End) are among a list of players already affiliated with Pro League teams.
National under-20 coach Zoran Vranes also expressed his willingness to recruit midfielder Sherron Joseph who is a key member of the Ma Pau FC squad.
There may also be scheduling problems as Skeene is unsure whether the youth team plan to pull out of the competition early to go on pre-tournament tours.
Skeene explained that the Pro League will go on with 11 teams if the national under-20 team pull out. But he expects that the aforementioned issues will be discussed and solved shortly.
"I expect that something will be worked out," said Skeene.
"The 2009 fixtures are basically done up already. As long as we make that decision (with the TTFF), we can send them out to the public."
