Government is waiting on the final budget that will be required to get the Soca Warriors properly prepared to compete at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany.
This was stated by Roger Boynes, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs following statements by T&T Football Federation special advisor and Fifa vice-president, that time was against the team.
On Tuesday at a media briefing held at the VIP Lounge, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo to up-date the public on the team’s preparations, Warner said that he does not know how long again they would have to wait before they get money from Government to assist the team.
He said: “The estimated budget of US$12 million to get the team to the World Cup may not be enough.
“Based on our preliminary budget, we hope to provide you with a figure before Christmas, but I can tell you it will go beyond US$12 million,”
He stressed that the local federation was strapped for cash and using up its final financial resources in securing living and camping accommodation for T&T during the World Cup.
“Our federation is in serious financial difficulties right now and just for the members of the delegation still in Germany, viewing the different venues and paying down on hotels for our stay in Germany, we have passed the $US2.4 million mark.
“If we did not pay down money for our stay in Germany, when the Finals come around, some other team could have taken up our space,” said Warner.
Responding to Warner yesterday Boynes said: “Now that the final draw for the group stages of the World Cup has been made we shall be able to get full details of the T&TFF expenditures that is required and we intend to meet their demands.
“My Ministry, and the government intends for us to go there and perform well, time is against us.
Expressing his willingness to make sure that all the financial aspects of the Soca Warriors preparations is taken care off before the New Year Boynes added: “I don’t think I would be having Christmas Holidays, there is a great need for speed with us in dealing with the matter on a daily basis.
Boynes said that he was in contact with Oliver Camps, president of the T&TFF and discussed with him how important it was to get the financial figures.
“He said that Mr Warner would be out of the country, but I responded by saying that we have the use of modern technology, get in contact with him, so we can have this package taken to the Prime Minister and Cabinet”, said Boynes.