TTFF Special Adviser Jack Warner is extremely concerned that the Hasely Crawford Stadium may not be ready to host this country’s next World Cup qualifying match on March 28. Over the last week the stadium has been used to stage two of the season’s largest events, Machel Montano’s Alternative Concept Concert and the International Soca Monarch.
Both events, which catered thousands of spectators, have resulted in substantial damage to the playing field. Yesterday, the FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, Sports Minister Gary Hunt Head Coach Francisco Maturana, T&TFF General Secretary, Richard Groden and several other officials from both the Ministry of Sport and the TTFF toured the stadium. Specialist grass company, Terra Forma,was also present. Warner told members of the media that he is disturbed over the state of the facility following the Carnival events.
“I am extremely concerned over what I have seen. I do not think that the facility will be ready in time for the March 28 World Cup Qualifying match vs Honduras. It definitely will not be ready for our team to practise and therefore, even if the facility is made playable in time, Trinidad & Tobago like Honduras, will not be able to benefit from its home advantage. The Sports Minister has assured me that his Ministry will be working around the clock to restore the facility and that I must have faith in his Ministry’s capabilities but I must say from where I’m standing it looks grim,” Warner stated.
The TTFF Special adviser says while the next qualifier is about one month away, the field must be ready well in advance. Soca Warriors Head Coach Francisco Maturana was also present at the inspection. While the coach remained glum throughout the inspection, he did say that he is not pleased with the state of the field and enquired of Warner what are the possibilities of playing the match outside. TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner was asked about the possible consequences this country may face from FIFA if the Stadium isn’t ready.
“FIFA has very strict rules and guidelines when its comes to the World Cup and its qualifying matches while I am in no position to say what possible sanctions we may face, I do know if the field isn’t ready by the middle of next month we must inform them that another venue will have to be located . Whether that location is in Trinidad and Tobago or abroad I cannot say “Warner told the reporter. Warner says these events have occurred at possibly the worst time. “A FIFA inspection team is arriving in this country on Monday to assess our ability to host the Under 17 Women’s World Cup. The team will be visiting this Stadium at 9 am on Ash Wednesday and in its present condition I am not looking forward to their report,” Warner added. The FIFA team will be in the county from February 23 to March 3.