During his three-hour long meeting with Adidas representatives on Friday morning, Jack Warner received a visit from Minister of Sport Roger Boynes shortly before lunch.
Boynes, accidentally walked straight into the TTFF Media Centre on Dundonald Street, requesting to see Warner and when told he had to walk around the to Edward Street to meet the FIFA Vice President, a smiling Boynes replied "You mean I can't pass through right here?" No, you've got to take it on the outside, was the next reply to that, and rightly so since it was not possible to make the walk through from there. "Okay, no problem, I'll walk across," Boynes added.
The rest followed.
First, LOC chairman Jack Warner disclosed that Government had given $13.5 million to T&T's World Cup fund - Trinidad Express.
Warner's request included $7.09 million to cover costs of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying games up to October; another $2 million to fund the two-match play-off series against Bahrain; US$50,000 ($315,000) to have the game broadcast live from Bahrain; and $4.4 million to charter a plane to fly the Warriors to Bahrain.
He informed the audience that Government had also agreed to retain Trinidad and Tobago's Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker for the next two to four years to continue T&T's football development.
"The Cabinet, I have been informed by the Minister (Roger Boynes), approved our request for $13.5 million," Warner said.
However, yesterday Boynes sent a letter to Warner stating that his proposal for assistance is presently engaging the attention of Cabinet and a decision on the matter would be communicated shortly.
"Pleased be informed that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is committed to further assistance to Team Trinidad and Tobago in our quest to qualify for the 2006 World Cup to be held in Germany. Please be advised further to your communication that your proposal for assistance is presently engaging the attention of Cabinet and a decision on the matter will be communicated to you shortly," read Boynes' letter
The Minister was able to confirm the Government will fund the US$50,000 bill to pay the television rights to have the November 16 return match shown live in Trinidad and Tobago from 2 p.m. and that efforts were being made to secure a charter to fly the team to Bahrain at a cost of $4.4 million.
Boynes, who was not present at the media conference. also informed Warner that his efforts to raise funds from corporate sponsors had borne fruit and millions had been generated for the Warriors.
"Finally, I wish to indicate that corporate citizens of Trinidad and Tobago have responded to our call for a united effort. In this regard, please be advised that CLICO and TSTT have once again given their commitment towards the charter.
"Please be informed that substantial sums totalling a few million dollars have been pledged by the following companies pursuant to my request: National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago; Petrotrin; British Gas; BHP Billiton; Carib Brewery; Eastern Credit Union; Unit Trust Limited; and Atlantic LNG," Boynes said by letter. Warner welcomed the new sponsors, but praised five companies-KFC, Busta, TSTT, Blue Waters and Finta-who had come aboard early and lent their support when others with greater means would not.
"Now, we have more corporate sponsors coming aboard and that will make our task less difficult," Warner said, while adding that international companies such as Adidas, Puma and Nike were also lining up to back the T&T Warriors.
"Adidas flew in to talk sponsorship of the Trinidad and Tobago team for the next four years. It's an extremely attractive offer," Warner said.
"Instead of going to them, now they are coming to us," he stated.