And, save a drastic change from either party, it should be a weakened team that faces Finland from 5.30 p.m. tomorrow at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
One senior player, who preferred to remain anonymous, informed the Express that the current national squad would boycott tomorrows international friendly unless an agreement was reached over salaries.
The player claimed that the Warriors were unhappy after going unpaid for several months.
He explained that the national team were not paid for either CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier against St Kitts and St Lucia last November.
The men wanted to strike from even back then (against St Kitts), said the player. We eventually agreed that it was a new coach (Hannibal Najjar) who didnt know the financial situation.
We hoped that it would sorted out with time but apparently it did not happen. So the team has made a decision to strike.
Their feelings were made clear to manager George Joseph at yesterday mornings training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
But Joseph was tightlipped about possible negotiations between the players and the technical staffif, in fact, the T&TFF planned to entertain the squads request at all.
There is a situation and the T&TFF will make a release, Joseph told the Express. But one thing I can assure you is that there will be a game on Wednesday night. That is far as I am willing to say.
Technical director and team coach Hannibal Najjar, who returned from Barbados yesterday, claimed to be largely ignorant of the impasse.
He too was economical with his words.
I really have nothing to say on it, said Najjar, who watched Finland play hosts Barbados to a goalless draw. I am preparing my session for (this) morning at 8.30 am and I will probably have a second session in the evening...
The national team will be playing on Wednesday evening. That is what (the fans) are paying to see and that is what they will get.
Already, the technical staff is searching for replacements to don national gear against the European outfit.
Their most cooperative allies thus far are service teams, Defence Force and Arima Fire.
Defence Force coach Anthony Barrington, who has recently been hired as Najjars assistant, confirmed that the army/coast guard players could not refuse national duty.
It means that striker Jason Scotland, who scored twice in a 2-1 win over Dundee, as well as utility player Anton Pierre and custodian Selwyn George would have no choice but to break ranks with their teammates.
Barrington said that Najjar could have more of his players if he wanted.
"If the coach wants that he will get that," said Barrington. "Because it is country first."
Fire manager Clyde Ramsaroop was equally open to sending his players for selection.
Ramsaroop revealed that he had already been asked to send striker Handell Manswell and goalkeeper Peter Ramon-Fortune who will join club teammate Uz Taylor on the national squad.
Only a knee injury prevented attacker Ashford Leggerton from also being in contention for a pick.
"We would be happy to give them players," said Ramsaroop. "I would contact the manager and see what are his needs."
Other club managers and players were more cautious.
CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh chairman Jerry Hospedales and Vibe CT 105 W Connection president David J Williams said that they would need more information before making a decision.
At least one Pro League player with international experience revealed that he had been summoned by the T&TFF but would decline under the circumstances in support of the players.
It is not the first time that the T&TFF have been threatened with mutiny.
In 1994, then national captain David Nakhid and his team refused to take the field in the Caribbean Cup final until certain alleged financial promises were kept.
The players were paid and promptly dispatched Martinique 7-2 in the most lopsided final of the tournaments 13 year history.
Nakhid was again involved at the 2000 Gold Cup when the team questioned their share of prize money after progressing to the knock out phase of the competition for the first time.
Once more, the players were pacified by the local organising body.
Another senior Warrior explained that the players were very serious about their stance which they felt were in everyones best interests.
The team was scheduled to meet yesterday evening at an undisclosed location to iron out their financial demands.
The last pay package negotiated for players came during the reign of coach Bertille St Clair and manager Richard Braithwaite.
In 1999, the technical staff implemented a pay scale based on seniority which was determined by the number of international caps by each player.
The scale began at $300-$500 US (less than 10 caps) and ended at $3,000 US (75 caps or more) for a full international outing.
The present squad believes that it is their time to stand up.
"It is something that has been brewing for a long time," said the player. "Our whole effort is geared towards making World Cup and being a successful national team. We just want the best situation in place for the players who are making that journey."
His teammate wished whoever took the field to face Finland the best of luck.
"On Wednesday night, you will most likely see a Defence Force team come against Finland," he said. "I hope they can do as well as Jabloteh."
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