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Football / 2007 CONCACAF GOLD CUP™ FINAL ROSTERS ANNOUNCED

« on: May 29, 2007, 03:39:14 PM »

2007 CONCACAF GOLD CUP™ FINAL ROSTERS ANNOUNCED
NEW YORK (Tuesday, 29 May 2007) – CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) has announced today the final rosters for all twelve teams that will compete in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ from 6-24 June in six venues in the USA.  All the rosters along with team-by-team information can also be found on the official tournament site www.GoldCup.org.

The roster for each team consists of 23 players, as stipulated in the CONCACAF Gold Cup™ Tournament Rules and Regulations. A listed player may only be substituted in the event of a serious injury up until 24 hours before the team’s first match at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup™.

The 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ will consist of three groups of four teams for the first round with the top two from each group, along with the best two third-placed teams, progressing to the quarterfinals with the group stage running from 6-13 June throughout five stadiums in the USA.

The quarterfinal matches will take place on Saturday, 16 June (two games in Foxboro) and Sunday, 17 June (two games in Houston).  The 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ semifinals and final are scheduled for Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois on Thursday, 21 June and Sunday, 24 June, respectively. DOWNLOAD MATCH SCHEDULE

For ticket information on the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ please call +1/888-878-2007 (within USA) and +1/212-203-0678 (outside the USA) or visit goldcup.org.


2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ Final Rosters

CANADA
GK: Robert Giacomi (Beveren FC/BEL), Greg Sutton (Toronto FC), Joshua Wagenaar (ADO Den Haag/NED);
DF: Adam Braz (Toronto FC), Ali Gerba (FC Gothenborg/SWE), Gabriel Gervais (Montreal Impact), Andrew Hainault (Said Most FC/CZE), Chris Pozniak (Toronto FC), Marco Reda (Toronto FC);
MD: Patrice Bernier (Tromso FC/SWE), Julian DeGuzman (Deportivo La Coruna/ESP), Richard Hastings (Inverness CT/SCO), Kevin Harmse (Los Angeles Galaxy/USA), Iain Hume (Leicester City/ENG), Atiba Hutchinson (FC Copenhagen/DEN), Ante Jazic (Los Angeles Galaxy/USA), Nik Ledgerwood (1860 Munich/GER), Issey Nakajima-Farran (FC Vejle Bodklub/DEN), Martin Nash (Vancouver Whitecaps), Antonio Ribeiro (Montreal Impact), Paul Stalteri (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG);
AT: Dwayne DeRosario (Houston Dynamo/USA), Robert Friend (FC Heerenveen/NED).
TD: Stephen HART

COSTA RICA
GK: Wardy Alfrado (LD Alajuelense), Dexter Lewis (Municipal Perez Zeledón), Jose Francisco Porras (Deportivo Saprissa);
DF: Allan Aleman (Deportivo Saprissa), Gabriel Badilla (Deportivo Saprissa), Pablo Chinchilla (Cash Point SCR/AUT), Victor Cordero (Deportivo Saprissa), Jervis Drummond (Deportivo Saprissa), Jose Freddy Fernandez (Municipal Perez Zeledón), Leonardo Gonzalez (CS Herediano), Alonso Solis (Deportivo Saprissa), Michael Umaña (CS Herediano), Harold Wallace (LD Alajuelense);
MD: Randall Azofeifa (KAA Gent/BEL), Michael Barrantes (Puntarenas FC), Christan Bolaños (Deportivo Saprissa), Walter Centeno (Deportivo Saprissa), Andres Nuñez (Deportivo Saprissa), Rodolfo Rodríguez (Brujas FC);
AT: Rolando Fonseca (LD Alajuelense), Windell Gabriel (Municipal Perez Zeledón), Bryan Ruiz (KAA Gent/BEL), Alvaro Saborio (Sion/SUI).
TD: Hernán MEDFORD

CUBA
GK: Julio Aldama (Matanzas), Odelin Molina (Villa Clara), Dany Luis Quintero (Cienfuegos);
DF: Yusvanys Caballeros (Ciudad Habana), Jorge Luis Clavelo (Villa Clara), Jaime Colomé (Ciudad Habana), Joel Colomé (Ciudad Habana), Leonel Duarte (Ciego de Avila), Reysander Fernández (Ciego de Avila), Yenier Márquez (Villa Clara), Silvio Pedro Miñoso (Villa Clara);
MD: Osvaldo Alonso (Pinar del Río), Gisbel Morales (Pinar del Río), Enrique Villaurrutia (Cienfuegos);
AT: Reynier Alcántara (Pinar del Río), Alain Cervantes (Ciego de Avila), Pedro Adriani Faife (Villa Clara), Ariel Martinez (Sancti Spírtus), Lester Moré (Ciego de Avila), Adonis Ramos (Granma).
TD: Raúl GONZALEZ

EL SALVADOR
GK: Juan Jose Gomez (CD Luis Angel Firpo), Miguel Angel Montes (Chalatenango), Dagoberto Portillo (Alianza FC);
DF: Luis Alonzo Anaya (CD Aguila), Ramiro Ernesto Carballo (Alianza FC), Alexander Escobar (Isidro Metapán), Leonel Guevara (CD Vista Hermosa), Jose Mardoqueo Henriquez (CD F.A.S.), Alfredo Alberto Pacheco (CD F.A.S.), Manuel Alejandro Salazar (CD Luis Angel Firpo), Jose Rolando Torres (CD Aguila);
MD: Dennis Jonathan Alas (San Salvador FC), Francisco Jovel Alvarez (Alianza FC), Jose Orlando Martinez (Alianza FC), Vicente Januario Melgar (Chalatenango), Carlos Alberto Menjivar (CD F.A.S.), Victor Hugo Merino (CD Luis Angel Firpo), Eliseo Quintanilla (San Salvador FC), Ramon Alfredo Sanchez (San Salvador FC);
AT: Juan Alexander Campos (CD Aguila), Ronald Cerritos (San Salvador FC), Cesar Alexander Larios (CD F.A.S.), Julio Enrique Martinez (Isidro Metapán).
TD: Carlos DE LOS COBOS

GUADELOUPE
GK: Marius Fausta (Evolucas), Franck Grandel (FC Utrecht/NED), Fabrice Mercury (CS Moulien);
DF: Miguel Comminges (Reims/FRA), Philippe Durpes (Romorantin/FRA), David Fleurival (FC Tours/FRA), David Sommeil (Sheffield United/ENG), Michael Tacalfred (Dijon/FRA), Alain Vertot (Etoile de Morne-à-l'Eau);
MD: Jocelyn Angloma (Etoile de Morne-à-l'Eau), Stéphane Auvray (Vannes FC/FRA), Lery Hannany (Racing Club), Jean Luc Lambourde (Amical Club), Dominique Mocka (JS Vieux-Habitants), Marving Onestas (J/Evolution), Ludovic Quistin (Tamworth FC/ENG), Constant Therezine (AS Gosier);
AT: Aurélien Capoue (FC Nantes/FRA), Cédrick Fiston (A.J.S.S.), Ludovic Gotin (CS Moulien), Loic Loval (FC Utrecht/NED), Fabien Raddas (Poissy/FRA), Richard Socrier (Brest/FRA).
TD: Roger SALNOT

GUATEMALA
GK: Luis Pedro Molina (Deportivo Jalapa), Paulo Cesar Motta (CSD Municipal), Ricardo Alberto Trigueño (Deportivo Marquense);
DF: Claudio Albizuris (CSD Municipal), Gustavo Cabrera (CSD Comunicaciones), Yony Flores (Deportivo Marquense), Nestor Martinez (Deportivo Marquense), Henry Alexander Medina (CSD Municipal), Pablo Sebastian Melgar (Antofagasta/CHI);
MD: Jose Manuel Contreras (CSD Comunicaciones), Hector Saul De Mata (CSD Comunicaciones), Carlos Figueroa (CSD Municipal), Rigoberto Gomez (CSD Comunicaciones), Leonel Noriega (Deportivo Marquense), Carlos Quiñones (Deportivo Marquense), Mario Rodriguez (CSD Municipal);
AT: Jairo Arreola (CSD Comunicaciones), Marvin Tomas Avila (Deportivo Suchitepequez), Dwight Pezzarossi (CSD Comunicaciones), Carlos Ruiz (FC Dallas/USA), Gregory Lester Ruiz (Deportivo Marquense), Hernan Sandoval (CSD Comunicaciones), Edwin Villatoro (CSD Municipal).
TD: Hernan Dario GOMEZ

HAITI
GK: Gabart Fenelon (Miami FC/USA), Peterson Occenat (Violette AC), Jonas Simeon (Tempete);
DF: Frantz Bertin (Athletico Madrid/ESP), Pierre-Richard Bruny (Don Bosco), Frantz Gilles (Cavaly AS), Stephane Guillaume (Miami FC/USA), Windsor Noncent (Sans Club), Jean-Jacques Pierre (Nantes/FRA), Ednerson Raymond (Baltimore de St-Marc), Olrish Saurel (Don Bosco);
MD: Jean Sony Alcenat (Aigle Noir AC), J. Michel Alexandre Boucicaut (Violette AC), Mones Chery (Racing Club Haiten), Brunel Fucien (Aigle Noir AC), Peter Germain (Baltimore de St-Marc), James Marcelin (Racing Club Haiten), Turlien Romulus (Cavaly AS), Pierre Roland Saint Jean (Baltimore de St-Marc), Alain Vubert (Baltimore de St-Marc);
AT: Cadet Éliphene (Tempete FC), Noel Fabrice (Sans Club), Ricardo Pierre-Louis (no club).
TD: Luis Armelio GARCIA

HONDURAS
GK: Donaldo Morales (CD Motagua), Adalid Puerto (CD Platense), Orlin Vallecillo (Real CD España);
DF: Edgar Alvarez (Messina/ITA), Oscar Bonieck Garcia (CD Olimpia), Jorge Samuel Caballeros (Changchun Yatai/CHN), Maynor Figueroa (CD Olímpia), Emilio Izaguirre (CD Motagua), Erick Vallecilo (Real CD España);
MD: Jorge Aaron Claros (CD Motagua), Ivan Guerrero (Chicago Fire/USA), Amado Guevara (Chivas USA/USA), Julio Cesar Leon (Genova/ITA), Emil Martinez (CD Marathon), Sergio Mendoza (CD Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (CD Olimpia), Mario Rodriguez (Real CD España);
AT: Carlos Costly (GKS Belchatow/POL), Jairo Martinez (CD Motagua), Walter Martinez (Shanghai Shenhua/CHN), Carlos Oliva (CD Marathon), Carlos Pavon (Real CD España), Luis Santamaría (CD Marathon).
TD: Reinaldo RUEDA

MEXICO
GK: Jose De Jesus Corona (Tecos UAG), Guillermo Ochoa (Club América), Oswaldo Sanchez (Club Santos Laguna);
DF: Jose Antonio Castro (Club América), Rafael Marquez (FC Barcelona/ESP), Jose Jonny Magallon (CD Guadalajara), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart/GER), Gonzalo Pineda (CD Guadalajara), Francisco Rodriguez (CD Guadalajara), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven/NED);
MD: Fernando Arce (CA Monarcas Moreila), Jose Andres Guardado (Atlas CF), Jaime Lozano (Tigres UANL), Alberto Medina (CD Guadalajara), Ramon Morales (CD Guadalajara), Pavel Pardo (Stuttgart/GER), Gerardo Torrado (CD SC Cruz Azul);
AT: Adolfo Bautista (CD Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Club América), Jared Borgetti (CD SC Cruz Azul), Omar Bravo (CD Guadalajara), Nery Castillo (Olimpiakos/GRE), Jose Francisco Fonseca (Tigres UANL).
TD: Hugo SANCHEZ

PANAMA
GK: Jose Calderon (Chepo FC), Donaldo Gonzalez (Atlético Veragüense), Oscar McFarlane (Tauro FC), Jaime Penedo (CA Osasuna/ESP);
DF: Reinaldo Anderson (Deportivo Árabe Unido), Felipe Baloy (CF Monterrey/MEX), Amilcar Henriquez (Deportivo Árabe Unido), Luis Henriquez (Tauro FC), Luis Moreno (Independiente Santa Fe/COL), Carlos Rivera (Tauro FC);
MD: Alberto Blanco (CD Plaza Amador), Rolando Escobar (Tauro FC), Gabriel Gomez (Independiente Santa Fe/COL), Victor Herrera (Puerto Rico Islanders/PUR), Engin Mitre (CD Plaza Amador), Juan Perez (Tauro FC), Ricardo Phillips (San Francisco FC), Juan Ramón Solis (CD Aguila/SLV);
AT: Edwin Aguilar (Tauro FC), Jose Luis Garces (OS Belenenses/POR), Nicolas Muñoz (CD Aguila/SLV), Blas Perez (Cucuta Deportivo/COL), Roman Torres (CD La Equidad/COL).
TD: Alexandre GUIMARAES

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
GK: Marvin Phillip (North East Stars), Daurance Williams (San Juan Jabloteh), Jan Michael Williams (W Connection FC);
DF: Dwayne Jack (San Juan Jabloteh), Thomas Nickcolson (W Connection FC), Anthony Noreiga (Joe Public FC), Trent Noel (San Juan Jabloteh), Seon Power (Joe Public FC), Keyeno Thomas (Joe Public FC), Glenton Wolffe (North East Stars);
MD: Romauld Aguillera (United Petrotrin), Christon Baptiste (Defence Force), Kerry Baptiste (Joe Public FC), Keon Daniel (United Petrotrin), Andrei Pacheco (W Connection FC), Silvio Spann (W Connection FC), Densill Theobald (Caledonia AIA);
AT: Gary Glasgow (Joe Public FC), Kendall Jagdeosingh (North East Stars), Errol McFarlane (Superstar Rangers), Darryl Roberts (Sparta Rotterdam/NED), Andre Toussaint (W Connection FC).
TD: Wilhelmus RIJSBERGEN

USA
GK: Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC/ENG), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach/GER);
DF: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC/ENG), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC/ENG), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege/BEL), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday/ENG), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United/ENG);
MD: DaMarcus Beasley (Manchester City/ENG), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen/NED), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC/ENG), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburg SV/GER), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution);
AT: Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Ed Johnson  (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution).
TD: Bob BRADLEY

32

Football / Boynes ready to step into T&TFF/Players row.

« on: May 24, 2007, 07:47:26 PM »

Boynes ready to step into T&TFF/Players row.
By: Nigel Simon (Guardian).[/size]

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes is ready to step in to help solve the current impasse between the T&T Football Federation (TTFF) and some of the World Cup players.
Boynes said that he will be contacting TTFF president Oliver Camps in a bid to help solve the problem.
“We need to find a solution because it is only hurting our football. For the benefit of the country, it must be resolved sooner rather than later.”
The members of the World Cup team who are willing to play in next month’s Conacacaf Gold Cup are being debarred because of their on-going dispute with the T&TFF.
The players are protesting the T&TFF ’s failure to fully compensate the team for its efforts in Germany and have been overlooked for team selection by the T&TFF even though coach Wim Rijsbergen has expressed a willingness to select them.
The players include Brent Sancho, Stern John, Kenwyne Jones, Christopher Birchall, Kelvin Jack, Cornell Glen, Marvin Andrews, Cyd Gray, Anthony Wolfe, Atiba Charles, Aurtis Whitley and Collin Samuel.
Both parties have expressed a desire to discuss the situation and following a statement by the Football Players Association, Camps said he was awaiting official word from the players.
“Calling me on the phone does not make sense, they have to make a request for a meeting in a formal manner, which is in the form of a letter to the T&TFF,” Camps said yesterday.
“It has to be done the same way it was done before. We are just awaiting an official letter. We have an office where we can sit and talk and we are not in the business of discussing our matters through the media.”
Camps said he was eagerly looking forward to the meeting as the federation wanted to get the matter sorted out in the best interest of football.
Coach Wim Rijsbergen is facing the possibility of going into the Digicel Shield semi-final against Haiti on Monday minus the core of players who represented the country in Germany.
Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA midfielder Densill Theobald is the only member of the World Cup team in training. The squad also includes Keyeno Thomas, Seon Power, Osei Telesford, Keon Daniel, Ramould Aguillera, Jan-Michael Williams, Glenton Wolfe, Andre Toussaint, Daurance Williams, Gary Glasgow, Errol Mc Farlane Jr, Kerwyn Jemmott, Marvin Phillip, Dwayne Jack, Kerry Baptiste, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Trent Noel, Andrei Pacheco, Christian Baptiste and Nichcolson Thomas while Holland-based striker Darryl Roberts of Sparta Rotterdam arrived yesterday.
The team will continue training at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva from 10am today. However, they will have the afternoon off as they journey to South to watch the T&T Pro League Courts Pro Bowl final between Superstar Rangers and W Connection. The team will then re-group on Saturday ahead of Monday’s clash against Haiti at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, from 7 pm.

33

Football / Warriors pull out T&T Gold Cup squad.

« on: May 21, 2007, 10:46:49 PM »

Rijsbergen to mix it up.
T&T to meet Guyana in Olympic qualifier.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
 
National Senior team head coach Wim Rijsbergen says he will possibly change his starting team for Wednesdays Digicel Shield final against Mexico’s Pan American team as he seeks to give his 22 players  a “fair” chance in the build up to the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Rijsbergen relayed this following T&T’s 1-0 win over Haiti at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Monday night. The win was witnessed by several of the players currently excluded from the Gold Cup team because of an ongoing impasse with the Federation. The likes of Brent Sancho, Cornell Glen, Jason Scotland, Carlos Edwards, Stern John, Marvin Andrews, Dennis Lawrence and Kelvin Jack were all present.
“If you saw the last part we played for the Digicel Cup an the team today it was a completely different team. We had eight different guys on the field for starting line up today and for the next game we have some guys we will try before going to Honduras and the Gold Cup,” Rijsbergen said after the match.
“On the other hand the group we have now want to win the next game of course and we don’t have a lot of time to prepare this team but the guys are in good spirits and as you saw today they tried very hard. Of course there is also room for improvement, but I was satisfied with the performance and I told the guys go as far as they can.”
He was impressed by the performance of his second half substitutes in particular Andre Toussaint and Errol McFarlane.
“We have very good subs and they finished the game. It was a good goal by Toussaint … McFarlane came in and did a good job. We see all the guys ready to be working to be in the starting line up for the Gold Cup and that’s what we are here for.”
And he wasn’t surprised that a T&T team considered second string for obvious reasons could pull off a win over the Haitians.
“I have been working with the guys everyday and if you know Haiti they are a tough opponent …they are a physical and well prepared team, I was happy. We did a lot of work in a couple days and some of these guys are still not hundred percent. They are working very hard and we try to keep high pace in passing, I was satisfied with the performance even though we did make some mistakes.
“Maybe I will use some other guys to start the next game just to give everybody a fair chance. I explained to the boys that we are looking for the best team,” added Rijsbergen who reminded everyone that the current Digicel Shield and even the Gold Cup was still just part of the bigger picture which is getting a team in tune for the 2010 World Cup qualification bid. T&T takes on Guatemala, El Salvador and United States in the Gold Cup from June 6-24.

Screening sessions continue on Thursday for Olympic team

Coach Jan Van Deinsen and assistant Michael McComie have made another cut to the squad of players training towards selection on the National Olympic team for qualifiers towards the 2008 Olympic Games.
The team will go into CFU preliminary round qualifying action from August 31 in Suriname. The four-nation group includes the host as well as Guyana and Netherlands Antilles. The top team from the round-robin phase will progress to the CFU Final round. The team will have another screening session from 9am on Thursday at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

Players Called:

Christion Thomas (Superstar Rangers), Corneal Thomas (Superstar Rangers), Larry Bacchus (United Petrotrin), Simeon Augustus (United Petrotrin), Devon Drayton (United Petrotrin), Silas Spann (Joe Public), Keon Samuel (Tobago United), Trevin Caesar (Tobago United), Devon Leacock (Tobago United), Nyron Orr (Tobago United), Jamal Jack (Tobago United), Marcus Ambrose (Caledonia AIA), Caryle Mitchell (Caledonia AIA), Mc Kenzie Cadette (Caledonia AIA), Hayden Tinto (Caledonia AIA), Akil Edwards (Defence Force), Sean Narcis (Defence Force), Marcelle Francois (San Juan Jabloteh), Kevin Mussio (San Juan Jabloteh), Lester Peltier (San Juan Jabloteh), Carlon Murray (San Juan Jabloteh), Khaleem Hyland (San Juan Jabloteh), Atullah Guerra (San Juan Jabloteh), Elton John (San Juan Jabloteh), Shane Calderon (W Connection), Kerron Smith (W Connection), Kadeem Gray (W Connection), Kareem De Freitas (Harvard Sports Club), Rondell Renwick (Caroni Football Club).News from the 29th of May 2007

Toussaint guides T&T past Haiti in Digicel Shield.
By: DigicelFootball.[/size]

Trinidad and Tobago made amends to their home fans after their crushing Digicel Caribbean Cup final defeat to Haiti as they saw off the Haitian Gold Cup side 1-0 in an exciting Digicel Shield semi final in Port of Spain to now go on and face Mexico on Wednesday night in the Digicel Shield Final.
The Soca Warriors, with several of its World Cup players who were not considered for selection looking on from the stands, started with serious intent and were obviously determined to try and make amends to their home fans for the defeat they suffered at the hands of the visitors in the final of the Digicel Caribbean Cup last January.
Top scorer from that tournament Gary Glasgow, who received his mobile phone prize for his highest goal tally in January from Digicel Trinidad’s sponsorship manager Marita Laurent, was very busy in and around the Haitian box and looked lively enough to try and add to his goal tally for the senior team.
Digicel Caribbean Cup champions Haiti who have played some tough opposition in the recent months and indeed more than held there own, showed their progression as they began to get more into the game and on 18 minutes were denied taking a one goal lead as Marvin Phillip extended himself well to get a hand to St. Jean Roland’s well placed shot.
T&T however looked the stronger in the first half and again showed their danger just before the whistle when Gary Glasgow and Darryl Roberts combined well only for the latter to be kept out by some solid defensive play from skipper Brunny Richard.
Haiti, with 4 changes to their opening side at half time and the coaches comments obviously still ringing in their ears, came out in the second half a more determined side.
Changing to a 4-3-3 formation the Digicel Cup champions came inches to scoring on two separate occasions as firstly Noel Fabrice was inches away from connecting with a lovely cross from Brunel and then Marcelin James saw his effort go narrowly wide.
T&T coach Wim Rijsbergen then looked to make a tactical change of his own and brought on 3 attacking players which as so often is the case, proved decisive from the Dutch master tactician.
On 76 minutes Captain Densil Theobald released substitute Andre Toussaint with a delicate defense splitting pass, and watched as the nimble striker calmly slotted the ball under the body of the onrushing Haitian keeper Gabart.
Haiti could find no way back and the new look soca warriors now confidently go forward to meet Mexico in the Digicel Shield final where a large home crowd are expected to see their local heroes one final time before they depart for their opening game in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Trinidad & Tobago: - 22.Marvin Phillip, 20.Anthony Noreiga, 5.Keyeno Thomas, 6.Nickcolson Thomas, 2.Romauld Aguillera, 13.Christian Baptiste, 15.Andrei Pacheco, 16.Silvio Spann (8.Kerry Baptiste 67th), 18.Densill Theobald (capt), 12.Gary Glasgow (11.Andre Toussaint 67th), 14.Darryl Roberts (9.Errol McFarlane 67th).

Haiti: - Fenelon Gabart, Brunny Richard (capt), Gilles Frantz (Raymond Ednerson 83rd), Noncent Windsor, Guillamme Stephane, Fucien Brunel, Cadet Eliphene (Noel Fabrice 45th) Alexandre Boucicant (Romulus Turlien 45th), Marcelin James, Chery Mones (Jacques Jamil 45th), St Jean Roland (Germain Peter 45th).News from the 28th of May 2007

New Look warriors go for good showing vs Haiti.
... Jemmott out with injury.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).  
 
Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior footballers, already minus several of its 2006 World Cup players will now have to go into the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup without the services of midfielder Kerwyn Jemmott.
The Superstar Rangers player suffered a hamstring strain in Friday night’s T&T Pro Bowl Final and has been ruled out of the competition following further checks by team doctor Terrence Babwah. Jemmott remained with the team at the Crowne Plaza but will not take part in this week’s Digicel Shield and will not make the trip to Honduras on Friday for a warm up international. The team heads over to Los Angeles following the game with Honduras to begin its Gold Cup campaign.
Head Coach Wim Rijsbergen now has a 22-player roster preparing for the Gold Cup which has been strengthened by the addition of Dutch-based forward Darryl Roberts.
The 22-year-old striker is coming off his professional stint with Sparta Rotterdam and though sitting out the team’s last couple matches because of a leg injury, he is still in high spirits over his return to the national team since the Digicel Cup and friendly matches against Panama and Costa Rica.
“It’s always a good feeling to return to a national team,” Roberts told TTFF Media. “I was able to make my debut in the Digicel Cup and then having gone to Holland and gotten more exposure I believe more in myself as a player now and I think I can only get better by being confident and working hard at the same time.
“I know there has been a lot of talk over the situation with the World Cup players and that’s disappointing yes but I think the current group of players are determined to do well and hopefully we can get things together and pull off some good performances. At the end of the day I think everyone wants to do their best whether it’s with or without the players that went to the World Cup. It’s not going to be easy but we still have to prepare well and give it out best shot,” added the ex-Fatima College marksman.
T&T tackles Haiti from 7pm while in the earlier game from 5pm St Vincent and the Grenadines meet Mexico’s Pan American team which was scheduled to arrive here on Sunday night.
Haitian captain Richard Bruny Pierre said his team was hoping to use the T&T match to finalize its preparations for the Gold Cup matches against Costa Rica, Canada and Guadeloupe.
“We have played Trinidad before and we know the games are always played with a lot in it. This is a good training game for us because both of us want to do well in the Gold Cup and we need to prepare well. We won over Trinidad in the Digicel Cup but it’s still good to play them again today,” Pierre said.
Haiti met Chile in a friendly international in Port-au-Prince last Wednesday and held the South Americans preparing for the Copa America to a 0-0 draw. The Haitians carried it’s unbeaten streak to five matches in the process.
 
T&T Squad:

Jan Michael Williams, Marvin Phillip, Daurance Williams, Keyeno Thomas, Seon Power, Dwayne Jack, Romauld Aguillera, Nickcolson Thomas, Densill Theobald (captain), Kerry Baptiste, Christian Baptiste, Keon Daniel, Silvio Spann, Andre Toussaint, Andrei Pacheco, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Trent Noel, Anthony Noreiga, Glenton Wolfe, Gary Glasgow, Darryl Roberts and Errol McFarlane.News from the 25th of May 2007

Swans sign Scotland from Saints.
By: BBC Sports News.[/size]

Jason Scotland has agreed a two-year deal with the Welsh club Swansea City have signed St Johnstone's Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland on a two-year deal, subject to a new work permit being granted. The 28-year-old scored 26 goals in 46 games for the Scottish club last term.
The Swans have paid a nominal fee to secure Scotland's early release from his contract with the First Division side which was due to expire in August.
SPL sides Hibernian, Dundee United and Hearts, plus Birmingham and Southend were all interested in Scotland.
Swansea manager Roberto Martinez was delighted to announce the League One club's first new signing since the end of the season.
"I'm not surprised that there has been a lot of interest in Jason from a number of clubs, especially as he was due to become a free agent in August," Martinez told the club website.
"Goal-scorers are the most precious commodity in football and I believe we've persuaded a quality striker to join us. Jason Scotland is an exciting player who always entertains and attracts the crowds - and players like that are a rare breed.
Swans boss Roberto Martinez.
"He is a striker with all-round ability which will enable him to play in a number of roles that gives us different options.
"Jason has a magic touch and can make something happen out of nothing.
"He's an exciting player who always entertains and attracts the crowds - and players like that are a rare breed."
Scotland will link up with country man Kevin Austin and T&T team-mate Dennis Lawrence at the Liberty Stadium, who had no hesitation in giving Martinez a glowing report about the striker.
"Jason seems a very reliable character and if he's anything like Dennis he will be disciplined and a model pro. I'm really excited about working with him," Martinez added.
Scotland started his career in Trinidad & Tobago with San Juan Jabloteh and Defence Force, the same team that Lawrence played for before making the move to Wrexham.
Dundee United signed Scotland in August 2003 after impressing manager Ian McCall by scoring both goals for T&T in a 2-1 friendly win at Tannadice.
He made an immediate impact by scoring five times in his first nine starts in the SPL before being forced to return to Trinidad in 2005 after his application for a work permit renewal was turned down.
However, Scotland had an application to play for St Johnstone approved and did enough to warrant a place in Trinidad and Tobago's 2006 World Cup squad. Martinez, who still has strong links with former club Motherwell, has not ruled out dipping into the Scottish market again to strengthen his squad.News from the 23rd of May 2007

Yorke blanks T&TFF.
By: Nigel Simon (Guardian).

Dwight Yorke, captain of the Soca Warriors team that participated at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany has blanked an offer by T&T Football Federation special adviser and Fifa vice-president Austin Jack Warner to make a return to the national team.
Earlier this month Warner, president of Concacaf had announced that at the federation’s Congress in Toronto it was agreed that T&T’s World Cup captain Dwight Yorke will be honoured at the upcoming Gold Cup and as such he would be expected to join the senior team for the tournament.
Warner added that an invitation went out from him to Yorke which requested his services for the Digicel Shield and the Gold Cup.
But Contacted yesterday, Warner said that Yorke, who will be making a return to the English Premiership with T&T team-mates Stern John and Carlos Edwards with Sunderland will not be available.
“A message was left on my phone by his agent which stated that Yorke will be involve in a Football Clinic from May 27 to the middle of June which makes him unavailable for both the Digicel Shield and Concacaf Gold Cup.
However sources close to the team have hinted that Yorke’s decision not to return to the team is in solidarity with the rest of the players over the non-payment of what they claim is reward money owed to them by the T&T Football Federation for their qualification and participation at the World Cup.
The source added, “I’m reliably informed that Yorke informed the T&TFF that he will only be available to play if the best team will be going and with most of the World Cup players locked in battle with the T&TFF, he had no other choice but to decline the offer.
Asked to comment on the T&TFF and World Cup players dispute Warner replied, “I don’t want to get involve, it’s a matter for them and the T&TFF and at the end of it all I will have my say.
T&T coach Wim Rijsbergen is facing the possibility of going into two major tournaments minus the core of players that represented T&T in Germany and has already expressed his desire to work with the best players.
Last month it was stated that the European-based quartet of Carlos Edwards, Clayton Ince, Dennis Lawrence and Jason Scotland had decided to make themselves available to the team.
Ince and Lawrence are not in the country and are said to be on vacation with the family while Edwards and Scotland were both involved in the Football Players Association of T&T “Football Fun Day” featuring the 2006 Germany World Cup Soca Warriors and a local Celebrities Team at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Sunday.
Other members of the team that played in Germany who were present on Sunday included Stern John (Sunderland), Kenwyne Jones (Southampton), Christopher Birchall (Coventry City), Kelvin Jack (Gillingham), Cornell Glen (San Juan Jabloteh), Marvin Andrews (Raith Rovers), Cyd Gray (San Juan Jabloteh), Brent Sancho (Gillingham), Anthony Wolfe (North East Stars), Densill Theobald (Caledonia AIA) and David Atiba Charles (W Connection).
However, when the live-in camp began at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Monday and Rijsbergen resumed training later that afternoon at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, ahead of the Digicel Shield semifinal against Caribbean Football Union champions, Haiti on Tuesday, only Theobald and Silvio Spann, who was replaced by Evans Wise in the World Cup squad, less than a month before the tournament, were present.
The other players in training included Keyeno Thomas, Seon Power, Osei Telesford, Keon Daniel, Romauld Aguillera, Jan-Michael Williams, Glenton Wolfe, Andre Toussaint, Daurance Williams, Gary Glasgow, Errol Mc Farlane Jr, Kerwyn Jemmott, Marvin Phillip, Dwayne Jack, Kerry Baptiste, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Trent Noel, Andrei Pacheco, Christian Baptiste and Nichcolson Thomas.
Speaking after Monday’s session Rijsbergen a former Holland international said that as a coach he likes to win, but doesn’t think he has been given a fair chance to prove himself due to the unavailability of the most of the European-based players.
Stating that his reputation as a coach was also being put on the line the Dutchman said, “Results of international competition not only reflect on the country but also on me.
Rijsbergen added, “The problem is that if we go to the Concacaf Gold Cup it goes around the world, and the only thing you will see is a result for the team, win or lose.
There is no explanation about which players are there. Of course, I don’t want to be the guy who is on the front page. I like to win. And if I get a fair chance to pick the best team, they can blame me if it’s not successful.”News from the 22nd of May 2007

Senior team live in camp starts minus overseas pros.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).[/size]

National Team head coach Wim Rijsbergen commenced the final live in camp at home leading up to the Digicel Shield at month end with a session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium minus all six of the overseas-based players he had hoped to have at his disposal.
Rijsbergen announced that based on the fact that neither Carlos Edwards, Clayton Ince, Dennis Lawrence nor Jason Scotland turned up to join the rest of the team at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at midday on Monday meant that they had all backed out of the team for the upcoming Gold Cup. Chicago Fire defender Osei Telesford strained a thigh muscle while with his club on Friday before arriving here on Saturday. Checks by Doctor Terrence Babwah suggested that Telesford could be doubtful for the tournament while Dutch-based striker Darryl Roberts is also struggling with an injury although he has resumed training. He is expected in Trinidad later this week.
The only other notable names at training on Monday included captain Densill Theobald, midfielder Silvio Spann, back from injury, striker Gary Glasgow and recalled striker Errol McFarlane.
The rest of the players in the mix included Kerwyn Jemmott, goalkeepers Daurance Williams, Jan Michael Williams and Marvin Phillip, Kerry Baptiste, Christian Baptiste, Romauld Aguillera, Andre Toussaint, Andrei Pacheco, Keyeno Thomas and Seon Power who also have niggling injuries, Trent Noel, Anthony Noreiga, Nicholson Thomas, Dwayne Jack, Keon Daniel, Glenton Wolfe and Kendall Jagdeosingh. Nigel Daniel is out after suffering a cruciate ligament injury last week. The team is still not confirmed for the Gold Cup. Anton Corneal, Jan Van Deinsen and Michael Maurice were the assistants at the session.
“This is just about the best team we have for the Gold Cup now,” Rijsbergen said. “And we will try our best with it. We will work hard just like we did in the Digicel Cup and see what can happen,” he added after the session.
“I assume that because those players who were invited from overseas didn’t show up at the hotel today or for the session means they have decided not to join the team and will support the other players at this time.”
There still also has been no confirmed word from Dwight Yorke following the request for his appearance at the Gold Cup and possibly the Digicel Shield at month end.
“It’s not a good situation because we want to go with the best team possible but what you see here is the best selection we can make. We have brought in a couple players because we have some injury problems. This is what we have seen in the Pro League. Let’s see what we can do. The Gold Cup is the next step and we will see if these players can go to that level.”
The Dutchman added that he wasn’t totally sure how the players on the perceived blacklist, currently back on holiday mode up to today, can still make the adjustment of coming into a training camp at this stage but he remained hopeful.
“If they have the chance then they should be here especially the ones who are not on the list.”
He doesn’t have any major qualms personally though on the possibility of not having as little as two World Cup players in his team while the others at the Gold Cup will have at least more than half of its team from the 2006 World Cup and the qualifiers in 2005.
“The problem is the Gold Cup goes all over the world and all they see is if they win or lose. There is no explanation on which players are there or not. Of course I’m not the guy who wants to be on the front page but I like to win and if I get a fair chance to bring the best team I would prefer it. And of course they can blame me if we are not successful, maybe with some luck we will have some other players but for now we will support these guys and try our best. These players we have now need some of the experience guys to make the step to the next level because we are also looking towards the qualification in 2008 (towards South Africa 2010). Hopefully, if it is not solved now, it will be soon. And, of course, it is not all the guys we want, because we don't use all the guys. Some of them are too old and are off the list. But, we have guys like Carlos and Stern John who now will be playing in the Premier League and they will be of great help with some other guys to make these guys better."Rijsbergen concluded. The team will train twice daily this week in the lead up to its Digicel Shield game on May 28 against Haiti at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Players Selected: - Andre Toussaint, Silvio Spann, Kerwyn Jemmott, Jan Michael Williams, Andrei Pacheco, Nicholson Thomas, Errol McFarlane, Darryl Roberts, Daurance Williams, Marvin Phillip, Dwayne Jack, Keyeno Thomas, Seon Power, Romauld Aguillera, Osei Telesford, Kerry Baptiste, Glenton Wolfe, Christon Baptiste, Keon Daniel, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Gary Glasgow, Trent Noel, Anthony Noreiga.

Technical Staff: - Wim Rijsbergen (head coach), Jan Van Deisen (assistant coach), Anton Corneal (assistant coach), Michael Maurice (goalkeeper coach), Dr. Terrence Babwah, Wayne Lawson (trainer), Ashton Mills (physio), Ikin Williams (equipment manager), Joseph Sam Phillip (manager).

34

Football / We Really Behind boy!

« on: May 18, 2007, 03:04:10 PM »

Upon reading about the USA coach's reaction to having Tajikistan in their Group in this summer's U-17 World Cup, I realized we still operating in the stone age and Tom, Dick and Harry passing us. Forget the boast of having a powerful FIFA VP at the helm.

On what he knows about the first opponent, Tajikistan:
“I’ve been doing my homework before the draw and after the draw we did sit with some people from North Korea and they did tell us that the Tajikistan is just like the North Koreans. Basically, like us, they are in full-time residency, they’re very committed and serious about their preparation. They’re similar to North Korea, and we played North Korea in Peru (at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup). Much like this, people said North Korea would be nothing and they turned out to be one of the surprise teams in that tournament. So, it sounds like we’ll have our hands full with Tajikistan.”

Imagine Tajikistan have residency program!

35

Football / Edwards transfer under probe. Mike Berry in hot water ?

« on: May 17, 2007, 07:28:45 AM »

Edwards transfer under probe.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).[/size]

Warriors' agent on alleged 'bung' list.

Trinidad and Tobago football star Carlos Edwards had a queue of interested Championship Division suitors when he left League Two club, Wrexham, on a free transfer in 2005. He chose then newly promoted Luton Town.
But, two years later, the English Football Association is probing the financial benefit of Edwards' move for his English agent, Mike Berry.
The British Daily Mail newspaper yesterday published a list of seven transfers conducted by Luton Town that allegedly involved "illegal payments" and Edwards' move was the most lucrative of them all.
Mail journalist Bob Graham claimed that former Luton Town chairman Bill Tomlins admitted to a string of illegal payments to agents including a £44,500 fee (TT$551,507) to Berry to ensure that Edwards signed for the "Hatters". The club books showed a £51,000 (TT$632,064) payment to Berry but Tomlin revealed that the complete figure was closer to £95,500 (TT$1,183,571).
Tomlin, who resigned as Luton chairman last month, publicly rowed with former manager Mike Newell after his assertion that corruption was rife in British transfers. Luton sacked Newell, two months ago, for gross misconduct after "two written warnings about his frequent profanity and outspoken behaviour".
Berry, who represented four "Soca Warriors" at the 2006 World Cup and held a position on the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation's (T&TFF) 2006 LOC, admitted that he accepted an unspecified sum as a "consultancy fee" from Luton after advice from his solicitor. The money was paid by one of the club's holding companies.
"When I did my transaction to take Carlos to Luton, I agreed a £95,000 finder's fee for bringing him to the club," Berry told the Mail. "There were, at the time, a number of other clubs chasing Carlos, so the way it was agreed I would be paid was £51,000 plus an enhancement I was not worried who paid me, just as long as I got paid
"I filled in the forms required by the football authorities in relation to the fee of £51,000. Bill Tomlins said he wanted to pay the rest as a consultancy fee. I wasn't happy with that and I wondered why the fee had been split like that.
"I spoke to my solicitor about it. I didn't declare this amount to the authorities, but accepted it as a consultancy fee."
Berry told the Daily Express, yesterday, that he stood by his statement to the Daily Mail. Edwards, who joined Sunderland in January and was pivotal in the club's climb to the England Premiership, could not be reached for comment.
If proven, the illegal payments could result in a fine or points deduction for Luton who were relegated from the Championship. It is uncertain whether Berry would also face sanctions. The Englishman, who represents Edwards, Dennis Lawrence, Clayton Ince, Jason Scotland and Hector Sam, has plenty on his plate.
Today, Berry faces the British courts to hear a complaint filed by his former player and Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup custodian Kelvin Jack concerning their previous professional relationship.
Jack told the Daily Express that he signed a contract with Berry that allowed the agent to receive 10 per cent of his basic wages, which is double the maximum amount stipulated by FIFA.
"It was just a lack of knowledge (on my part) as well as you are desperate to get out and play in the UK," said the Gillingham goalkeeper. "It was only when I got out there that I realised I was paying well over the odds."
Another senior Warrior alleged that he paid five per cent of his basic wage to Berry for a successful work permit application although the procedure usually carries no cost. He claimed Berry had initially requested 10 percent.
"I was stuck between a rock and a hard place," said the World Cup player. "He wasn't supposed to charge for it but, if I didn't agree, he wouldn't have helped me get my work permit."
The player insisted that Berry still charged his players 10 per cent of their basic wage although he also received payment from clubs for his work.
Berry retorted that it was no one's business but his own.
"Whatever I take from my players is between me and my players," Berry told the Daily Express. "I don't discuss my business with you or anyone else."
Another British agent, Steve Davis, disagreed. Davis recently brokered a deal with Premiership team, Portsmouth, for the CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh trio of Lester Peltier, Atullah Guerra and Khaleem Hyland but insisted that he would not take a cent from the players for his work.
"Ethically, it is wrong to take money from a player," said Davis. "If you are a good agent, you do not need to take money from a player; you make it from the (buying) club.
"I keep saying to my players 'listen, you don't work for the agents, the agents work for you'."
He insisted that both parties were culpable in an arrangement that sees the agent charge the club for a transfer and then demand an annual fee from his player.
"I think it is totally wrong and I told (agent named) that to his face," said Davis. "But why did the players sign that? If players are stupid enough to sign a contract giving away 10 per cent of their wages, then whose fault is that?
"I think the (Trinidad and Tobago) players should seek advice. You have someone like Jack Warner on the island so surely they can seek advice from FIFA. (An agent) cannot accept a fee from both parties, inadvertently or otherwise, and if FIFA got hold of that he will be taken to court."

36

Football / Warner lauds gutsy Young Warriors.

« on: May 10, 2007, 08:43:13 PM »

Warner lauds gutsy Young Warriors.
By: Nigel Simon (Guardian).

Jack Warner, Fifa vice president and Concacaf boss said he was very pleased with the way the T&T Under-17 footballers achieved qualification for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Korea from August 18 to September 9.
The Anton Corneal-coached T&T team beat Jamaica 1-0 to secure third spot in the Concacaf Group B qualifiers behind winners USA and Costa Rica.
The three top teams in Group B joined Group A qualifiers, Haiti and Honduras for the 24-team Fifa tournament joining already qualifiers Spain, France, England, Belgium, Japan, hosts Korea, Korea DPR, Tajikistan, Syria, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Tunisia, Haiti, Honduras, Costa Rica, USA, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Argentina and New Zealand in the finals.
Germany and Holland played-off yesterday to determine the fifth European team and final qualifier.
Contacted in Malaysia, Warner said, “I’m very happy in the way the team reached its goal, with no money whatsoever from government, but purely based on heart and guts.”
Warner added, “The Under-17 team, just like the Soca Warriors who went to Germany, were the most under-financed team, but they showed what mettle they are made of by going over there and getting a win against the Jamaicans to qualify.”
The special adviser to the T&T Football Federation noted that the team’s qualification was so much more rewarding to him after they lost their first two matches to Costa Rica and USA.
He boasted, “No other team could have showed so much guts and resilience by coming back from losing its first two matches to still qualify.”
Warner lamented the fact that when he introduced the Caribbean Football Union Under-16 Tournament in 2005 it was with the hope of giving regional teams a chance to get some much needed exposure ahead of Concacaf tournaments.
“Last year we hosted the second edition of the tournament and based on that Haiti and T&T were able to go on and compete with success at the next level.”
But while he was happy to see the CFU Youth Cup bring results to the teams in the region, Warner was very mindful that he was the one carrying the financial burden.
“However I felt rewarded in what I did in that youngsters went there and gave of their best, which makes me very proud.”
Looking ahead to the finals in Korea, Warner said that he will have to sit down with the technical staff and finalise some tours and camps.
“The draw for the group stages of the tournament takes place on May 17 and we will then know our opponents, but already I think a camp in Brazil is in the streamline.”
T&TFF president Oliver Camps also expressed his sentiments on the team’s success, saying “It was indeed a great accomplishment by our Under-17 team and the staff, others who worked around the overall effort and especially the players must be complimented and acknowledged for the achievement.”
He also mentioned that the qualification was proof that the federation had maintained its commitment towards a youth development programme and will continue to work further towards realising more success in the future.
By qualifying for Korea, T&T became only the fourth Caribbean country–after Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti–to qualify for the Fifa Under-17 finals.
It’s also the fourth time in this country’s history that a team will compete at a Fifa Tournament, the other times being the Soca Warriors’ participation at the 2006 Fifa World Cup Finals in Germany, the 2001 hosting of the Fifa Under-17 Championships and the 1991 Under-20 World Youth Cup in Portugal.

37

Football / Aanensen: Go to arbitration

« on: May 02, 2007, 10:07:01 PM »

Aanensen: Go to arbitration

Ian Prescott iprescott@trinidadexpress.com


Thursday, May 3rd 2007
 
 
 
omitted: Chris Birchall, right.

Bruce Aanensen, the newly-appointed chief executive officer of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), is urging both the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) and national footballers to get an arbitrator to settle the current dispute between the parties over World Cup sponsorship money.

Aanensen was manager of the T&T national team, the Soca Warriors, at last year's FIFA World Cup in Germany. He said it is imperative that the dispute, which has raged on for six months, be settled promptly.

"Go to arbitration," he suggested, when contacted by the Express on Monday. "Let the players' representatives and the T&TFF agree to an arbitration panel and have the matter settled immediately. Each side will present their case to the arbitration panel who will make a ruling. Both parties just have to agree to abide by the ruling."

The retired banker said that as far as he is aware the dispute stems from the cut in World Cup profits which the Federation wanted to give to the players, and he provided an account of some of what was happening behind the scenes.

"Jack (Warner) had promised to give the fellas the spreadsheet from the sponsorship and donations. At first it took a while, and when they finally did get the figures, the fellas (Soca Warriors) thought it was inaccurate. They had questions about a million-dollar donation from Republic Bank which they said was not listed, and they also questioned the low contribution from e-bay.

"Secondly, they argued that the T&TFF had shown a whole list of expenses which was to have been deducted before the profits were shared. After the deductions, they were to be given $141,000 to split up."

Aanensen suggested that the players have a case with their latter query, since there was a document promising them a percentage of earnings.

"The document suggested that whatever the T&TFF got, 30 per cent of that was to have gone to the players. It had nothing about deductions at all."

Aanensen, who has his own problems with West Indies cricket, said that regardless of who was right or wrong, it is now time to settle the matter, as after playing in and making such a favourable impression at the World Cup, it was imperative that Trinidad and Tobago send their best team to the June 6-24 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States.

The players who are challenging the T&TFF over their share of the World Cup profits have not been selected on the training squad for next month's Gold Cup.

"The purpose of the Gold Cup is to give teams a guide of where they are before they go into the World Cup qualifiers. If we go into the Gold Cup playing with a second-rate team, it won't make much sense. If there is indeed a blacklist, I don't think it is in the best interest of Trinidad and Tobago football at all," Aanensen said.

"We have guys like Chris Birchall and Kenwyne Jones who are just 22. To condemn these fellas at that age from international football is not good at all for football in the country," he exclaimed.
 

38

Football / Pro League Results 04/21/07

« on: April 21, 2007, 10:13:18 PM »

San Juan Jabloteh get first win.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).[/size]

Beginning yesterday's T&T Pro League match against North East Stars as if there was no tomorrow, CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh managed a 2-0 victory, their first in three outings, and secured just their fourth point for the season.
Peter Byers, Jabloteh's newly-signed Antiguan striker, got both of his team's goals. Aided by the reluctance of stopper Dexter Franklin to remain at the centre of North East Stars' defence, Byers often found a clear path down the centre and ran straight on goal.
However, it was Kendall Velox, Stars' Vincentian midfielder, who had the first real chance of a scrappy match, when forcing goalkeeper Daurance Williams to tip a low shot around the left upright of the Jabloteh goal.
But, when given his chance, Byers showed his proficiency at the other end.
Playing in an unfamilar midfield position, Anthony Wolfe was stripped of the ball just outside Stars' penalty area by Byers. In just a few powerful strides, the Antiguan was in the penalty area and striking the ball past goalkeeper Marvin Phillip.
Byers got his second in the 26th minute, when finishing off a meandering run by overlapping defender Marcelle Francois. Collecting on the left side of the penalty area, Byers powered through two tackles, before again beating Phillip, with a hard, low, angled shot.
For the most part, Stars looked a disjointed bunch, using several players out of regular positions and also lost goalkeeper Phillip in the 71st minute to a straight red card.
After beating the Stars' offside trap at the half-line, Byers against outpaced the defenders, before goalkeeper Phillip raced out the penalty area and cut down the striker with an errant tackle. In other Pro League results up to press-time last night, Caledonia AIA edged Superstar Rangers 1-0 and Defence Force beat Police 2-1.Defending champs stop Connection.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).

Public warning

Joe Public, 2006 Trinidad and Tobago Pro League champions, reiterated their desire to remain the nation's top club on Saturday night with a composed 2-0 win over Vibe CT 105 W Connection at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella.
Connection approached their task with the usual poise and flashes of radiance. But it will take more to unnerve a Public team capable of lethal attack off front or back foot.
Trinidad and Tobago coach Wim Rijsbergen, who was in attendance, has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the local competition and Gary Glasgow knows it will be tough to keep his international spot ahead of foreign-based strikers like Sunderland's Stern John, Southampton's Kenwyne Jones, Sparta Rotterdam's Darryl Roberts and St Johnstone's Jason Scotland.
On current form, though, John-the country's record scorer with 67 goals from 100 caps as opposed to 12 from 53 by Glasgow-should be proud to play alongside the Public striker while there was enough to appreciate from the closing match of a Manny Ramjohn double-header.
The opening fixture, which featured a clash between the local Police and Defence Force, was tedious. The Army/Coast Guard unit deservedly won 2-1 as a goal apiece from Bevon Lewis and Sherman"Ants" Phillip kept out the Lawmen, who managed a fine late finish by substitute Keon Wilson.
Eight years have passed since the Defence Force were last domestic champions while Police's last league title came in 1994. Neither team are likely to enhance their glorious past this season.
Defence Force fielded a five-man midfield with the inclusion of ex-national youth player Chris Durity and managed to starve the Police frontmen of decent service for much of the game but the soldiers' wing play and movement were ordinary, at best. It meant an uninspiring affair from two of the Pro League's three clubs who boast of completely home-grown squads. The contrast between the two Marabella matches on Saturday was unmistakable.
For starters, Public and Connection offered notice to the flourishing football nurseries elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Public, coached by the Cuban duo of Domingo Hernandez and Manuel Rodriguez, play a mobile, combative brand of football epitomised by the ambitious Guyanese full back duo of Abassi McPherson and Carey Harris.
Connection, led by the esteemed St Lucian Stuart Charles-Fevrier, anchor their slick passing style with the street-smart savvy and brawn of the St Lucian pair of team captain and striker Earl Jean and sweeper Elijah Joseph-whose performances reject any notion of national bias on Fevrier's part.
The southern hosts began by hogging ball possession and testing their guest's patience but were put to the sword by a ruthless Public charge on the break.
Burly Nigel Pierre, who replaced injured talismanic striker Arnold Dwarika in the starting line-up, held off his marker and cleverly released right winger Kerry Baptiste, whose first-time cross was steered over the goal line by an alert Glasgow in the 43rd minute.
Connection pushed players forward in search of an equaliser but, with the speedy Glasgow in this mood, it was like juggling hand grenades.
Ten minutes after the break, Public doubled their lead after another potent combination from Glasgow and Baptiste.
Glasgow was the creator this time as he tricked promising Connection left back Kern Cupid with a stepover before dragging a low cross into the opposing area that Baptiste rammed into the roof of the net.
Two Public errors almost offered Connection a way back.
National defender Seon Power slashed at a clearance in the 70th minute but Connection substitute Andre Toussaint lost his nerve with a similarly wild finish while, four minutes later, midfielder Kayode McKinnon-one of four Guyanese players in Public's first team-was stripped in his own half but Jean's subsequent effort was blocked low by opposing goalkeeper and ex-Connection employee Alejandro Figueroa.
It was testament to Public's solid rearguard, led by captain and midfield lynchpin Dale Saunders, that Connection relied on unforced errors by the visitors for their best chances.

Full Results

Police F.C 1 (Kieon Wilson 78) v Defence Force 2 (Bevon Lewis 22, Sherman Phillips 59)

Caledonia AIA 1 (Marvin Oliver 88) v Superstar Rangers 0

San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Peter Byers 15, 26) v North East Stars 0

W Connection 0 v Joe Public 2 (Gary Glasgow 42, Kerry Baptiste 55)

Tobago United 0 v United Petrotrin 0

39

Football / New beginning 'Hardest' hungry again

« on: April 19, 2007, 09:26:28 AM »

Ian Prescott

Thursday, April 19th 2007
 
Kerwin "Hardest" Jemmott

From the first time he kicked a ball for Malick Senior Comprehensive as a 16- year-old, Kerwin "Hardest" Jemmott was being rated as the next Russell Latapy-the next great midfielder to represent Trinidad and Tobago.

But, 12 years on from his days as a schoolboy, there are some still wondering whether Jemmott will ever fill the big shoes left to him, following the retirement of the "Little Magician". At least one person thinks that Jemmott has not yet achieved his potential.

"'Hardest' just there. Everybody always talking about 'Hardest', and what 'Hardest' could do. But, really and truly, 'Hardest' ain't prove nothing."

Had anybody else said it, such a definitive statement, could be cause for argument. But, coming out of Jemmott's own mouth, suggests that the 28-year-old East Dry River footballer has given some thought to his future.

"I still really hungry to prove myself and go out there and play for a club outside," Jemmott confessed in a recent interview.

For several years, Jemmott has been a mystery and a frustration to club and national coaches, who have, in days gone by, all reported that the talented midfielder has joined up, then mysteriously disappeared from club and national teams. Has Jemmott been misunderstood by those who over the years have speculated that he has wasted his talent?

"Not really. It was my fault really," Jemmott says. "I made some mistakes. But, mistakes are there to be made. I think it was just a case that I was a little younger and took some time to mature. But, I don't want to dwell in the past...I just don't want to dwell in the past. I am more looking to do well in the future."

His recent return to national duty has ignited Jemmott's passion for the game and he confesses that he has been working hard to return to top form. Jemmott now says he can play a full 90 minutes of football, where a few months ago, he was regularly substituted in the Digicel Caribbean Cup. Giving him a new chance with the national team is Trinidad and Tobago's Dutch national coach Wim Rijsbergen.

Jemmott knows that his recall to the squad, currently preparing for the June 6-24 CONCACAF Gold Cup, may be his last chance with the national team and he's determined to do well. But under the new regime, led by no-nonsense Rijsbergen, Jemmott is likely to meet less of the leeway which local national coaches have given in the past because of his abundance talent. Rijsbergen recently dropped the midfielder for an away friendly with Guadeloupe.

"I wasn't feeling well and I didn't show up for the first training session. The problem was that I didn't call and tell them anything. So, the coach was upset and dropped me. But, that has been sorted out now. I putting that behind me, because it's really important to me to work hard and go out there and make the Gold Cup team. I have a hunger for that. That will give me the kind of exposure that I need right now."

Jemmott also hopes to have a super season with Superstar Rangers in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League. Having played for the likes of Queen's Park, W Connection, Caledonia AIA, and Joe Public, Jemmott is now with one of the smallest clubs he has ever played for. But, he's comfortable there and although small, he says Rangers has big ambitions--just like his own.

iprescott@trinidadexpress.com
 

40

Football / Vote for Carlos or Dwight as Sunderland Player of the Year

« on: April 11, 2007, 01:17:32 AM »

Vote here: http://www.safc.com/index.php?page_id=12110

Pass link on to as many Trinis .
Carlos is in 4th place currenltly. Stern not in the running.

41

Football / Players claim blacklist in effect.

« on: April 06, 2007, 09:13:01 PM »

Players claim blacklist in effect.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).[/size]

Warriors Fume

Trinidad and Tobago's historic goalless draw against Sweden last June, on the twin island republic's World Cup debut in Germany, gave new meaning to the phrase "warrior spirit". But, these days, the "Soca Warriors" appear to have more problems with the enemy within.
The fight between players and administrators over promised bonuses seemed to have taken its toll on the rank and file, this week, as reserve goalkeeper Clayton Ince threatened legal action against his teammates in an effort to distance himself from the activities of the Football Players Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT).
It prompted a plea by national players Stern John and Kelvin Jack for the Trinidad and TobagoFootball Federation (T&TFF) to come clean on a supposed blacklist that has seemingly denied the country's most experienced players from wearing red, black and white.
John, who represents English Championship Division club Sunderland, is Trinidad and Tobago's record goal scorer with 67 items while his 100 international appearances is second only to ex-CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh captain Angus Eve, who has 117 caps. He also scored five of the country's six goals in a crucial run of 2006 World Cup qualifying fixtures, two years ago, which clinched a Play Off battle against Bahrain.
But John, who is still available for selection, has not heard from the T&TFF in months. His position is identical to 15 of his World Cup teammates who threatened to take the local football governing body to court over bonuses arising from the team's participation in Germany. Midfielder Densill Theobald initially stood with the dissidents but backed down after being supposedly threatened with omission from the national squad.
"I am a bit disappointed that I didn't get a call (for national selection) but we heard that we were blacklisted," John told the Express, "although the Federation never contacted me personally and told me this was the case. We didn't want to go down this road with the Federation but they left us no choice.
"We had meetings with Groden and so on but things just weren't adding up at all. Even some of the local players who are training now say that the are not fit for a team that just played in a World Cup. Everything we worked so hard for in the summer just went out the window. It is a joke."
Jack, who represents English League One club Gillingham, is equally unimpressed with the treatment meted out to the Warriors. The 30-year-old goalkeeper returned to full training last week after a lengthy lay off with severe tendonitis in his left knee that rendered him unavailable for club and country.
But he also stressed that the T&TFF's alleged response to their bonus dispute is having a negative affect on the team and was eroding the gains made by their 2006 World Cup appearance.
"Players talk obviously and we have seen that players have been available and the Federation has not selected them," said Jack. "Maybe the Federation can explain why players from Aurtis Whitley and Cyd Gray come up are not being selected. Aurtis Whitley is the best player in Trinidad so how come he is not being selected?
"That is a question for the coach to answer It would be very unprofessional not to select a player for non-footballing reasons."
None of the radical 16 Warriors were summoned for national duty since last November's friendly 4-1 loss away to Austria when Trinidad and Tobago's sole item came from Dundee United winger Collin Samuel-another player who found himself on the wrong side of the bonus battle. It spans a period of eight matches under coach Wim Rijsbergen.
Oliver Camps, the president of the T&TFF, insisted that he knew of no such "blacklist" and suggested Rijsbergen had omitted the likes of Kenwyne Jones, Brent Sancho and Samuel on his own accord.
"The coach is doing what he has to do," said Camps. "There is no blacklist; not that I am aware of."
Rijsbergen, a former Holland World Cup player, declined the opportunity to confirm or deny the existence of a blacklist.
"That is something between the Federation and me," said the Dutchman. "I cannot give you an answer on that."
John is anxious to know more about his international future, especially with the CONCACAF Gold Cup coming up in June.
"Hopefully we (the Federation and the players) can get everything sorted by then," said John. "It will be really disappointing if this whole thing hampers the team because I think we turned the corner at the World Cup.
"I think that is one of the strongest Trinidad teams we ever had."
A decision on Trinidad and Tobago's strongest present squad, according to Camps, is a matter for Rijsbergen.

The Radical 16:

Avery John, Anthony Wolfe, Atiba Charles, Aurtis Whitley, Brent Sancho, Christopher Birchall, Collin Samuel, Cornell Glen, Cyd Gray, Evans Wise, Ian Cox, Kelvin Jack, Kenwyne Jones, Marvin Andrews, Shaka Hislop, Stern John.

42

Football / Warriors' book makes impression.

« on: March 31, 2007, 10:22:17 PM »

A charming commemoration.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).

Warriors' book makes impression.

Ten months have passed since the Trinidad and Tobago national football team made its World Cup debut in Germany and there is much to suggest that the euphoria surrounding the Soca Warriors has dipped considerably. But, for those who have not forgotten the buzz experienced in the first half of 2006, the Legacy of the Soca Warriors is a charming collector's item.
The wait for a publication that captured Trinidad and Tobago's historic World Cup qualification was long but the quality of the 263 page book, penned-for the most part-by daily newspaper editor Valentino Singh and published by Medianet Limited, made it worthwhile.
The often vivid photographs and wealth of statistical information would allow readers easy access to one of the nation's proudest moments of the new millennium while it also attempted to encapsulate our 32-year international history in the sport.
The book sporadically proffered genuine revelations from within the team camp too-quite an accomplishment considering the amount of media coverage dedicated to the Warriors since its qualification.
In chapter eight, team captain Dwight Yorke was credited with talking coach Leo Beenhakker into selecting veteran goalkeeper Shaka Hislop for the country's World Cup opener against Sweden.
Shaun Fuentes, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) press officer, did not offer a direct quote from Yorke but, if true, the news might be a revelation to even Hislop.
Chapter nine, which was dedicated to Beenhakker, was an interesting read on the mysterious Dutchman although the excerpts from team meetings might not particularly interest non-football fans.
Singh used Express editor and columnist Keith Smith, freelance writer Vaneisa Baksh and former local football association president Peter O' Connor as guest contributors.
Chapter four, which was written by Baksh, had some brilliant, stirring lines."Trinidad and Tobago's historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2006 was the beginning of that journey that has not yet ended," she wrote. "Rather, it had the magical quality of being both a beginning and an end."
Smith's unique use of language also brought the "artistic arm" of the Warriors to life as he reviewed the impact of the nation's cultural ambassadors in Germany.
Consecutive defeats to England and Paraguay, he wrote, were "put into perspective with a song on one's lips, a wine of one's waist wiping off the lingering lament in one's heart".
In chapter 11, O' Connor gave a detailed look into the often overlooked world of corporate sponsorship although it is hard to understand why it warranted 33 pages while chapters on Beenhakker and Yorke were 26 and 20 pages respectively-all inclusive of photographs taken by the Express pair of Robert Taylor and Jermaine Cruickshank as well as Anthony Harris, Rolf Warner, TSTT bmobile and Fuentes.
Inevitably for most publications of this size, there were the odd errors.
National player Silvio Spann was inaccurately identified as Aurtis Whitley in one photograph and the Laventille Rhythm Section identified as the T&T Defence Force steelband in another while the World Cup scores did not indicate results decided in extra time or on penalty kicks and the tournament review, among other things, did not mention that Brazil star Ronaldo had set a World Cup scoring record with his 15th goal.
The description of local coach Bertille Clair's tenure in the early qualifying rounds seemed unnecessarily harsh too. St Clair was the second coach in 16 years to take Trinidad and Tobago into the final round of the World Cup qualifying format and he achieved it without Yorke or gifted veteran Russell Latapy.
St Clair was credited for Yorke's return but nothing else. Beenhakker's only reference to his predecessor was that the football under the Tobagonian "was very undisciplined" while Warner termed it as "totally hopeless" and sometimes "incoherent".
St Clair might not find it enjoyable reading but there would be few complaints from almost everyone else.
The Legacy of the Soca Warriors is about offering Trinidad and Tobago football sympathisers the opportunity to reminisce over a thrilling, historical moment. In this respect, it was mission accomplished.
Legacy of the Soca Warriors is published by Merdianet Ltd with colour photographs by Anthony Harris, Shaun Fuentes, TSTT mobile, Rolf Warner, Robert Taylor and Jeremie Cruickshank.

43

Football / 2007 CONCACAF GOLD CUP™ TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY

« on: March 26, 2007, 02:45:22 PM »

CONCACAF Media Release sent to WN

NEW YORK (Monday, 26 March 2007) – CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) is proud to announce tickets for the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup™, that takes place from 6-24 June in six cities across the USA, will be available and on sale to the public starting on Thursday, 29 March.

Information on ticket prices and availability for games at each venue, including a ticket hotline number in the USA and overseas, will be made available on CONCACAF.com and through a media release on Thursday.

The 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ will consist of three groups of four teams for the first round with the top two from each group, along with the best two third-placed teams progressing to the quarterfinals.

Group A, the first of three First Round Groups, which will be based in Miami’s Orange Bowl, includes the Central American champions Costa Rica, Canada from the North American Zone, Caribbean winners Haiti along with Gold Cup newcomers Guadeloupe.

Group B, with games at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California and Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, includes the defending Gold Cup Champions USA, both El Salvador and Guatemala from Central America and Trinidad & Tobago from the Caribbean.

The final quadrangular, Group C, will see games between Mexico of the North American Zone, Honduras and Panama from Central America and Cuba from the Caribbean.  The Group C encounters will take place in two venues; starting at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (near New York City) before heading to Reliant Stadium in Houston for the last day of first round play.

The quarterfinal matches are set for Saturday, 16 June (two games in Foxboro) and Sunday, 17 June (two games in Houston).

The 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ semifinals and final are scheduled for Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday, 21 June and Sunday 24 June, respectively.

44

Football / Croft leaves LOC 2010.

« on: March 16, 2007, 09:14:23 PM »

Croft leaves LOC 2010.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).[/size]

Colin Croft has departed as chief operating officer (COO) of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, six months after being installed by FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.
Back then Warner, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation's (T&TFF) special adviser, said Croft was chosen from six candidates and given special consideration because of his familiarity with South Africa.
"I have nothing directly to do with that. I suggest you call Roy Augustus, the human resource officer," said Warner yesterday when asked about Croft's removal.
Last September, Warner introduced Croft as the man whose job it was to organise matches, events and raise corporate financing in the build-up to T&T's qualification bid for the 2010 World Cup. The LOC was to be based in Arouca, but has actually been set up at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya. Croft was to head several sub-committees and also to report to a board of directors.
However, after seeking several leaves of absence, Croft was relieved of the post. That was confirmed yesterday by Augustus, the LOC's human resource officer, who said the departure of the former West Indies fast bowler and cricket commentator was an amicable one.
"There is not anything negative about it really. It was a question of Mr Croft not having time to juggle the job with the other things he does. It was a pleasant separation and a mutual kind of thing," Augustus told the Express.
Asked if the T&TFF's World Cup campaign was affected now that the LOC's chief organiser was no longer on the job, Augustus replied: "We are in the search for a COO," while explaining that in the interim the current staff will have to increase their work load to make up for Croft's loss.
"It's not such an unusual thing really. Going into the last World Cup in Germany, we went in without a COO at several times after separation with individuals for one reason or the other. Some of us have had to double up what we do, but we have always got the job done," said Augustus.
When he took the job last September, Guyana-born Croft said the first World Cup to be played on the African continent will thrill the world in ways never before experienced and he was happy to be part of the project. He described South Africa as being football crazy.
In taking over the post formerly held by Jamaican Horace Reid, Croft admitted it will be a challenge and listed his job specification as being the main organiser of the T&T effort to qualify for the next World Cup.
He also said none of the inhabitants of Trinidad and Tobago should be thinking if Trinidad and Tobago will get to South Africa 2010. "It must be when," not if, he exclaimed.

45

Football / Jack Warner re-elected as CONCACAF President.

« on: March 14, 2007, 12:46:24 PM »

Jack Warner re-elected as CONCACAF President.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).

Jack Warner  has been re-elected as CONCACAF President for another four-year term, which will run from 2007-2011.
This was announced by CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) on Wednesday with the passing of Tuesday’s deadline for nominations to all positions up for election at the XXV CONCACAF Ordinary Congress to be held in Toronto, Canada on May 12, 2007, Warner stood as the only nominated candidate for President and will formally commence his fifth term at the Congress.
In a demonstration of the ongoing stability and unity within CONCACAF that has characterized his Presidency, Warner received multiple nominations from every sector of CONCACAF’s diverse membership of 40 nations including United States, Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Grenada and others. CONCACAF, one of the six continental confederations of FIFA, comprises the national associations of football-playing nations stretching from Canada in the north to Guyana , Surinam and French Guyana in the south; and serves as the governing body for the beautiful game in this part of the world.
Warner was first elected as CONCACAF President in 1990 and he has been re-elected on every occasion since then (1994, 1998, 2002 and now, 2007). Warner is also the longest continuously serving member of the FIFA Executive Committee having first taken his seat on that body in 1983.
Upon receiving the news of his reappointment on Wednesday, several officials from across the region poured in congratulatory messages to Warner at his CONCACAF Office in Port of Spain.
But amidst the rush by federation officials to praise his return to the helm of the grouping until 2011, the chief celebrant would say only that he wished to continue serving members by utilizing the same template of listening to as many voices as possible before making decisions.
"FIFA rules and regulations are rather precise so there is not an extraordinary amount of room for maneuvering," Warner said, "but whatever spaces are available for initiative and, indeed, re-examination of those rules is undertaken in consensual fashion and this approach, I think, may be what endeared my stewardship to the member federations.
"I wish to thank the various federations for their support and assure them that the coming term will produce unprecedented results from this region and may even contain a few very pleasant surprises," added the FIFA Vice President.
Mexican Football President Justino Compean sent a message expressing his support to Warner and gratitude for his work in the region.
“Congratulations on your reappointment as President of CONCACAF. It is of course well deserved and we anticipate having you as our leader once more,” Compean said.
TTFF President Oliver Camps said he was firmly behind Warner’s return to the post.
“He has served the CONCACAF with distinction and deserves this reappointment without doubt,” Camps said. “He is definitely a force behind the football in the region and we here in Trinidad and Tobago are extremely fortunate to have him as one of us.”
Oscar Arroyo, President of the Guatemala Football Federation also sent his warm regards, adding “Congratulations in your re-election as CONCACAF’s President.
The nature of the overwhelming support that you received is a testament not only to your leadership but also to the outstanding job that you have done to the benefit of all of us."
I am proud to congratulate you on your most recent success and pledge my continuous support to you.” Digicel’s Group Sponsorship manager Kieran Foley described it as “excellent news.”
“Jack, Congratulations!  Your support is well earned.  Warmest personal regards,” wrote American lawyer John Collins while  Bermuda’s FA David Sabir said it was “another wise decision from this region.”
In other election news, Lisle Austin is re-elected unopposed as CONCACAF Vice President (Caribbean Zone). Austin has served as CONCACAF  Vice President since 1992.

Also elected unopposed to new positions are the following:

CONCACAF Vice President (North American Zone) – Guillermo Cañedo (Mexico)
CONCACAF Executive Committee Member (Central America Zone) – Ariel Alvarado (Panama)
FIFA Executive Committee Member – Rafael Salguero (Guatemala)

About CONCACAF

CONCACAF "The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football" is one of six continental confederations of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and serves as the governing body of football in this part of the world. It is composed of 40 national associations, from Canada in the north to Guyana, Surinam and French Guyana in the south.

46

Football / Warners mum on FIFA fine.

« on: March 13, 2007, 08:49:11 PM »

Warners mum on FIFA fine.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).

Twist to Simpaul scandal.

The Warner family was again embroiled in controversy yesterday after a leaked document revealed that former Simpaul Travel Service director Daryan Warner, son of FIFA vice-president and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) special adviser Jack Warner, has less than two weeks to pay FIFA a $754,375 euros (TT$6,223,394) fine.
No explanation was given as to the origin of the figure, which was decided upon but not publicised at an executive committee meeting on June 4, 2006, although it is likely to be a backlash for Simpaul Travel's profiteering off Trinidad and Tobago's 2006 World Cup tickets despite the company's conflict of interest. FIFA president Sepp Blatter, according to minutes from the FIFA executive committee meeting on December 6, 2006, did inform his colleagues that US$250,000 (TT$1,562,500) was already paid towards the Simpaul fine, which would be forwarded to the SOS Children's Village charity.
The US$250,000 sum mirrors the annual FIFA developmental grant which the global body forwards to its member associations, including Trinidad and Tobago.
Last week Tuesday, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) declared that it had shut down all football teams with immediate effect "due to a lack of financial support". T&TFF general secretary Richard Groden blamed the Government for his organisation's hardships.
T&TFF president Oliver Camps confirmed via telephone yesterday that his organisation receives an annual US$250,000 grant, although he declined further comment about the financial state of the local body.
Neither Jack nor Daryan Warner could be reached for comment yesterday, while a Simpaul official, who preferred to remain anonymous, claimed that she was in the dark about the alleged fine.
"I cannot give you any information concerning that," said the Simpaul official. "I do not know anything about it."
News of the secret fine was published yesterday by London's Daily Mail investigative reporter and author, Andrew Jennings, who visited Trinidad and Tobago last May as part of a BBC Panorama News team and is another follow-up on the Simpaul Travel ticket scandal, which was broken exclusively by the Trinidad Express on December 25, 2005.
FIFA's Committee for Ethics and Fair Play convicted Warner of breaching FIFA's Code of Ethics on February 16, 2006 due to his involvement with Simpaul. Warner along with his wife, Maureen, and sons, Daryan and Darryl, were all Simpaul Travel directors.
But, a month later, Warner was absolved by his executive committee colleagues, who suggested that the administrator corrected the situation by removing himself and his family's names off the directorship of the company.
There was another potentially damaging report to Warner by international accounting firm, Ernst and Young, who ruled that Daryan continued to operate on behalf of Simpaul and he, along with his father, had contravened FIFA regulations regarding the sale of World Cup tickets.
On December 6, 2006, a third FIFA committee-the Disciplinary Committee-chided Warner for his "conduct" and warned him to "ensure that his son, Daryan Warner, did not abuse (his) position" but again opted not to publicly penalise its own vice-president.
Disciplinary Committee chairman Marcel Mathier further declared that FIFA could not take action against Daryan since "he did not fall under FIFA's jurisdiction".
However, FIFA did not tell the global media that "Simpaul Travel and/or Daryan Warner" was ordered to reimburse the global governing body $754,375 euros (TT$6,223,394) and had not complied with the request "despite numerous reminders by FIFA".
Camps denied that the US$250,000, referred to by Blatter, meant that FIFA had frozen its funding to the T&TFF.
Daryan has until March 22, which is the next meeting date of FIFA's executive, to finish payment, although the Daily Mail was told that no further action was expected regardless.
Blatter is running for re-election this May and Warner, a staunch supporter of the present president, controls 35 of the 207 votes available.
"If there is no more money paid over I can't see that Blatter is going to take action," a FIFA source told the Daily Mail. "After all, Jack Warner controls 35 crucial votes that will ensure Sepp Blatter gets a third term."
It is uncertain what Warner's financial situation might mean for the "Soca Warriors".

Related News.

FIFA fine top official’s son $1 million.

Jack Warner re-elected as CONCACAF President.

47

Football / Ministry surprised by TTFF move.

« on: March 07, 2007, 10:06:53 PM »

Ministry surprised by TTFF move.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).[/size]

TOO HASTY.

Sport Minister Roger Boynes yesterday urged the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) to cooperate with the ministry as he denied suggestions that the government was not adequately supporting the football body.
On Tuesday afternoon, the T&TFF issued a press release which claimed that they were forced to immediately suspend their national football teams due to "a lack of financial support".
The local football body claimed that their operations were subsidised by T&TFF special advisor and FIFA vice-president Jack Warner and accused Boynes of not fulfilling his promises of financial assistance.
At present, the national under-17 football team, who are preparing for next month's Under-17 World Cup qualifying series, are the only T&TFF squad listed as active.
But Boynes countered that the T&TFF was in no doubt as to the process regarding the disbursement of State funds and insisted that the government deserved some respect for their continuing support.
Boynes, who had a back operation on February 26, spoke to the Express from the Laser Spine Institute in Florida where he completed his post-operative physiotherapy yesterday. He insisted that he was equally accommodating to the T&TFF and spoke to the association president, Oliver Camps, last week about the request for funding.
Camps was made aware of the procedures involved in obtaining government funding-Boynes gave the T&TFF's request at close to $183 million-and, according to Boynes, had agreed to be patient.
"The cabinet sub-committee is looking over the budget," said Boynes. "It is millions of taxpayers' money... so we must make sure that all systems are in place to account for the money. I spoke to Mr Camps last week and he said he is willing to wait until the procedure takes place.
"When you look at the support the government has given to local football, I feel they should work with us."
The Sports minister also pointed out that, although the government was committed to assisting local football, the T&TFF had a responsibility, as an autonomous body, to source their own funding from international sponsors and the private sector.
Richard Groden, the T&TFF general secretary claimed, in Tuesday's release, that the football body lacked the resources to pay their coaches. The salary of their technical staff were given as "close to US$100,000" or TT$625,000.
But when contacted yesterday by the Express, Groden refused to discuss the financial health of the T&TFF and also felt that no further clarification was necessary on their proposed suspension of national football team activity.
The T&TFF claimed it had already written to the British clubs that employ their national players and explained that their March 24 friendly fixture with Chile was now cancelled. But there was no word about similar explanations to sponsors of the "Soca Warriors" as to its supposedly calamitous state.
Last year, the T&TFF, according to its own press releases, should have received over $52 million from sponsors for its 2006 World Cup bid. This figure does not include another $7.9 million received for qualifying for the prestigious tournament or its share in television rights for pre-World Cup games that were broadcast live across Europe and other parts of the globe. Adidas alone pledged $73,036,500 to the T&TFF as part of a four-year sponsorship deal.
Boynes confirmed that the government had picked up its debt for the Warriors' qualifying campaign while the players are yet to receive a cent from the T&TFF for their efforts. So where is the money?
Groden refused to say. Warner chaired the Local Organising Committee (LOC) 2006, which was appointed as the financial arm of the T&TFF's World Cup campaign, but he has consistently refused to speak to this reporter.
Boynes said the government must be careful in its examination of the football budget and it is unlikely to be the last time the T&TFF's figures comes under scrutiny.
The Warriors have threatened to take the T&TFF to court over bonuses arising from the team's World Cup qualification and are insisting that an independent auditor peruse their accounts. The initial statement offered by the T&TFF, last September, was done by Kenny Rampersad and Company and contradicted earlier releases by the same body regarding its income.
Prior to the Germany World Cup, the T&TFF claimed to have raised $52,316,112 but, when it was time to share with the players, it insisted that the correct figure was $18,255,952. Groden, again via press release, further claimed expenses of $17,973,749-although Boynes reiterated yesterday that the government covered all expenses-and eventually offered the squad $141,102 or $5,644.08 per player on October 10, 2006.
Boynes suggested that the government have a duty to their citizens to be careful about how their money was spent although he did not infer dishonesty on the part of the T&TFF.
"The Cabinet sub-committee may want to consider (an independent auditor)," said Boynes. "And the Cabinet might want the ministry to pay salaries directly too. I do not know what will be decided but it is the Cabinet's responsibility to make sure that the payment goes where it is supposed to although we are not saying that the T&TFF won't do this."
Boynes expressed his hope that the T&TFF sorted out their own difficulties before the June CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament.

48

Football / John ruled out of tonight's affair.

« on: November 15, 2006, 08:30:48 AM »

John ruled out of tonight's affair.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).[/size]

Trinidad and Tobago suffered a late blow on the eve of their friendly international against Austria as key striker Stern John sustained a knee injury and has been ruled out of the encounter at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.
The injury was a frustrating one for John who had to leave the field in an uncomfortable mood after a collision with goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams as the team went through some finishing drills at the match venue on Tuesday night.
What started off under a relatively cool conditions turned damp for the Coventry City man as he went in to meet a cross and met a rushing Williams at the top of the six yard box resulting in him receiving a blow to the chest and then a follow through knock to the left knee as he landed. He immediately walked off the pitch in limping and was observed by team doctor Terrence Babwah. He underwent a scan in Vienna on Wednesday morning which reportedly showed sprained ligaments but means he will take at least two weeks before being able to engage in action again. It is obviously disappointing news for the T&T top striker as he has been enjoying good form of late for his club and is nearing the end of his contract at the Championship Division team.
This now means that head coach Wim Rijsbergen will possibly start with Jason Scotland and Scott Sealy in attack as John was already on a flight back to Birmingham by mid afternoon on Wednesday. The team is now down to 16 players with defender Dwayne Jack being unable to make the trip.
“It’s the most disappointing thing to have to miss a game because of this kind of knock and it couldn’t have come at a worse time,” a disappointed John said.

49

Football / Do we have the guts?

« on: November 12, 2006, 12:44:03 PM »

While reading this NY Times article on Canadian football, the similarities between them and us were glaring. The difference: they have the gall to demand change and actually fire a figure-head despite his recent accomplishents FIFA U-20 and Toronto in the MLS. Do we have the spine to do the same for the sake of our football?

------------------------------------------
Canadians Trying to Overcome 20 Years of Futility
By JACK BELL 11/08/06 NY Times

The Web site of the Canadian Soccer Association is available in English and French, but for the past 20 years, the game up north has known only one language — failure.

The United States has played in every World Cup after 1986; Canada has not played in one since then. Major League Soccer has succeeded in attracting sponsorship dollars and providing a place for young Americans to hone their skills. In Canada, there is no national league and precious few sponsorship deals.

The record of futility, coupled with the departures of coaches like Frank Yallop and the defections of players like Owen Hargreaves to play internationally for another country, reached a tipping point last week when the C.S.A. (canadasoccer.com) fired Kevan Pipe, who had run its day-to-day operations since 1985.

“We have been among the missing since 1986, and people have got to realize that the men’s World Cup team has to be our No. 1 priority,” Colin Linford, the president of the C.S.A., said in a telephone interview from Kitchener, Ontario. “We have to do everything possible to ensure we qualify for 2010 because the effects will trickle down. There is not a country in the world where the men’s team is not the top priority.”

Canada is ranked No. 71 by FIFA, between Lithuania and Venezuela.

Pipe played a role in Canada’s being named host of next summer’s FIFA under-20 world championship, which will be played in six cities and has already sold more than 400,000 tickets.

He also took some credit for helping Toronto land an M.L.S. team and for the construction of BMO Field in Toronto, a 20,000-seat stadium on the lakefront that will be used by the club team and for the under-20 tournament.

“This decision has come 20 years too late,” Bob Iarusci, a former national team player, said in a telephone interview from Toronto. “Pipe got the credit for bringing the U-20 tournament to Canada, but how many other places does FIFA have to go? The game up here has been set back 25-30 years, and there’s the same British mafia in control of it still. The situation is bleak: no structure, no leader, no passion, no vision.”

Pipe has other detractors.

“Pipe’s firing was a question of some well-overdue housekeeping,” said Noel Butler, the host of a soccer radio show in Montreal. “A straight shooter at the helm is long overdue. I’m sure most of the people in a position of influence within Canadian soccer welcome and endorse the decision.”

Linford said he hoped to have a new top executive, a new national team coach and a new technical director in place by the end of March. Yallop, a Canadian, resigned as coach of the national team earlier this year to return to M.L.S., where perhaps the league’s best player, Dwayne De Rosario, is Canadian.

50

Football / TOYOTA CLASSIC: Who yuh supporting?

« on: November 03, 2006, 03:05:59 PM »

Of course I'm supporting Rangers

51

Football / Maximus being awarded by WN tonight (Tues, Oct 31, 2006)

« on: October 31, 2006, 03:11:17 PM »

In recognition of the support that entertainer Maximus Dan has given to the Soca Warriors, the Warrior Nation will present him with an honorary plaque. Tune in tonight (Tuesday October 31, 2006) between 8PM-9PM on Synergy Sports (with Andre Baptiste) to witness the presentation.

52

Football / Concacaf head unconcerned about corruption charges

« on: October 28, 2006, 09:03:54 PM »

Trinidad Guardian 10/29/06


Fifa vice-president Jack Warner says he is unconcerned about corruption charges against him.

“I lose no sleep, I lose no sleep,” Warner said in an interview last Thursday, as he ended inspection of Canada’s Stadia for the 2007 FIFA World Youth Championship.

“I have nothing to be worried about, absolutely nothing,” added Warner, who faces a Fifa disciplinary committee over allegations he sold thousands of tickets on the black market at inflated prices during the World Cup.

The allegations were made by the Daily Mail, a British newspaper, which said it had obtained confidential reports produced by auditors Ernst & Young for Fifa.

Warner subsequently issued a statement calling the report “incomplete, biased and wrong” and said he had instructed his lawyers to initiate a defamation suit.

Warner is chairman of the tournament’s organising committee and was also quizzed about the allegations at a press conference in Toronto last week, to discuss the Youth Championship.

He refused to answer questions on the alleged ticket scandal.

“This is not the time or place to discuss this matter.If there was an iota of truth to the allegations I would not be here.”

Present at that press conference were Colin Linford, President, Canadian Soccer Association, Kevan Pipe—Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Soccer Association, Craig Forrest Honorary Chairman, FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 and Bruce Thomas, Chairman, Toronto Site Organising Committee.

As he continued his visits, this time in Toronto, the CFU President told the Canadian Media “I am amazed and thrilled,” after touring the BMO Field construction site. “I get goose pimples looking at this.

“When I left here (in April), it was a bare piece of land and now I see a facility that’s almost 60 per cent completed... For me, it’s a dream come true.”

The 2007 tournament will be the biggest single sporting event ever held in Canad, who will host the World’s finest U-20 players in six cities across the country—Victoria, Burnaby, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal—June 30 to July 22, 2007.

The biennial event is second only to the FIFA World Cup? in size and scope and will showcase the most talented U-20 soccer players in the world.

The tournament has been the coming-out party for some of the game’s top players—Maradona, Saviola, Van Basten, Luis Figo, Ruiz Costa, Thierry Henry, Adriano, Roberto Carlos, Bebeto and Dunga as well as Canada’s Craig Forrest and many members of the current Men’s World Cup team, including Julian de Guzman, Paul Stalteri, Atiba Hutchinson and Iain Hume.

Last held in CONCACAF in 1983 in Mexico, Canada’s most recent participation in this event occurred last June in the Netherlands from June 10 to July 2, 2005.

53

Football / TOYOTA CLASSIC

« on: October 27, 2006, 06:22:57 PM »

Rangers defeats Defence Force on penalties in first game. Caledonia AIA against Petrotrin in second game.

54

Football / World Cup Warriors are “upset, angry and offended…”

« on: October 24, 2006, 07:14:23 PM »

For exclusive interview with attorney with Sam Hollis, recently retained attorney for Soca Warriors World Cup players, see www.thewarriornation.com.

55

Football / Fans abandon Soca Warriors

« on: October 15, 2006, 07:28:35 AM »

Fans abandon Soca Warriors
PETER O CONNOR Sunday, October 15 2006
Trinidad Newsday

JAPAN do not have a history, or really a culture, of football. They launched their first Professional League in the mid-90s, around the time that the United States also started.

Japan first went to the World Cup in France ‘98, where they lost all their matches, including being beaten by Jamaica. They co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup and reached the last sixteen, courtesy of being a seeded Home Team.

They qualified for Germany 2006 at the top of the Asian Confederation but brought nothing special to Germany however, not in playing standard, nor in “atmosphere” from their fans. Japan finished 29th out of 32 teams, with a goalless draw and two losses. They returned home without fanfare or fete.

And yet, when Japan played their first Home Friendly after their disappointing performance in Germany, the stadium was filled to its 60,000 capacity, with the fans cheering them wildly throughout the match.

With the help of that massive support, Japan beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0.

Trinidad and Tobago has a long history — 98 years — of playing and supporting football, from fete match, through Inter-Col, and sometimes real fervor for our national team.

When they qualified for Germany, our players were not expected to do well on the field. However, our fans were expected to bring something special to the streets and stadia in Germany.

Well, the Warriors surprised everyone with their play, and the fans delivered what was expected of them, enriching the carnival that is World Cup Football.

Trinidad and Tobago finished the Finals in 27th place, two ahead of Japan, with one goalless draw and two losses, goal difference separating the countries.

When Trinidad and Tobago returned home, thousands of fervent supporters were at the airport, dancing and wining for their “heroes.”

The Prime Minister was at the airport, basking in the glory of the moment.

Tens of thousands were at the Hasely Crawford Stadium two days later, wining and dancing, and lining the travel route, just to catch a glimpse of their “heroes”.

But when the Soca Warriors returned to the stadium last week for their first international friendlies, the Warriors’ fans stayed away in their thousands. Thousands who made the journey from Trinidad to Germany failed to make the trip to the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Tens of thousands who feted them at the airport last June refused to support them in their own stadium.

The Prime Minister, so eager to impose himself on the team in June, could not support them in October — and he was invited.

What is the difference between Japan, their football, their supporters, and what, or who, we are? The truth is we do not have supporters in this country.

Well, we have about 5,000 supporters, whom the team can count upon. The rest of you are just “riders”, hopping aboard when the results and the vibes are good, and jumping off until the good times roll around again.

However, right now, South Africa is still four years away, and anyway, “is only St Vincent and Panama we playing”, so to hell with the Warriors, forget our promises — “I is ah Warrior ‘till ah dead”, and we just stay away, like we have no interest. Anyway, let me acknowledge now that I was not there either. In spite of my own desires, and my exhortations to everyone to come out, I missed both matches.

Fortunately for me, both matches were carried live on NCC Channel 4. When I was involved in football I was always opposed to showing matches live on TV unless we were assured that the stadium would be sold out.

So, as I watched the matches from home, I was thankful that I am no longer involved!

And how well our Warriors played, in both matches especially considering that the Destroyer of Team Success — dissent — was hanging like a cloud over the Warriors.

What plaudits can we give to our team, who not only played under the shadow of dispute, but played well, and won both of the matches?

And they won these matches even as they looked up at the thousands of empty seats and wondered where all the “Warriors ‘till ah dead” supporters were.

And these players would remember Japan, and the huge and noisy crowd that supported Japan against us there. If asked by a player who knew you were in Germany in June, why you were not in the stadium last week, what would you say?

The matches showed the capability of the Warriors for the next journey — South Africa 2010.

While St Vincent is not even a regional power, they did trouble us three times in the past year or so.

They also defeated Jamaica at “The Office” recently — something Trinidad and Tobago has not done in more than twelve years.

We played well, and the four-goal victory was a good result against a team which brought out the best in new goal keeper Jan Michael Williams — four times.

So I thought that following that performance, the stadium would have been full against Panama, a team which fought us all the way for our place in Germany, and which beat us in the Gold Cup last year.

Well, think again! We must be thankful for the schools which took advantage of the offer “Children in school uniform-Free.” The stadium was almost half-full, which is also more than half-empty.

So when, Trinidad and Tobago, will you ever come out to support your team, your country, rather than just fete with them?

Do you not think it matters to the players? And don’t tell me there was a dispute so you decided to stay away. The players were there, and you should have been there too.

But hoping to leave football on a happier note, I hope at the time of writing that the dispute between the players and the Federation is behind us all, and that this squad will play for us in Austria next month, and carry on down the road to South Africa.

And so to cricket, lovely cricket. The news out of India continue to be good, with the Windies qualifying for the ICC Championships with a match to spare.

And of course we are all delighted with the fact that CCN TV6 is bringing us our matches live and uninterrupted.

We know that “our” team members — Brian Lara and Dwayne Bravo — will be pleased to know that Trinis are now equal to the Bajans, Jamaicans, and other fans, in that we too can see the matches live.

Stay with it CCN TV6, for that too is support!

56

Football / $5,644.08 per man.

« on: October 08, 2006, 10:50:58 PM »

Warner silent as Warrior spirit fades.
T&T Express Reports.[/size]

T&TFF $5,644.08 per man W/Cup bonus falls short of expectation.

FIFA vice-president and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) special adviser, Jack Warner, maintained his silence yesterday, as the Soca Warriors continued to slide towards disbandment.
On Friday evening, the Warriors, led by team captain Dwight Yorke, declared their intention to resign from international duty due to an alleged breach of contract by the T&TFF.
A hasty release from T&TFF general secretary Richard Groden, which erroneously accused the players of planning a boycott of Saturday's friendly against St Vincent and the Grenadines, suggested that the problem lay with the distribution of sponsorship money.
Groden submitted an unaudited statement of income and expenditure to the national media, which claimed that the T&TFF received $18,255,952 for its part in the Germany 2006 World Cup.
The players are believed to be concerned about the accuracy of the T&TFF's accounting.
For starters, there was no mention of money accrued from television rights. The deal, which was agreed to between the players and Warner two days before the first leg World Cup play-off against Bahrain, controversially failed to share television money for the Bahrain legs, as well as a host of friendly matches against the likes of Iceland, Wales and the Czech Republic. These matches were televised throughout Europe by high-profile stations like Sky Sports and Euro Sports.
There is worry that several sponsors were omitted or figures doctored as well.
The T&TFF's accountant for this project, by its own admission, is Kenny Rampersad, who was revealed to be Warner's business partner during investigations on Simpaul Travel Services last December. Rampersad, at the time, was mandated to act on Simpaul's behalf.
Worse, as far as the players were concerned, the T&TFF then deducted expenses before handing over the Warriors' share. And a $9 million share was reduced to $141,102 to be split 25 ways-24 players and one share for the players' committee.
Last Thursday, Yorke and his teammates were told that their reward for taking Trinidad and Tobago to its inaugural World Cup-a feat that secured them a place in FIFA's history book as well as $1 million and a Chaconia (Gold) medal each from the Government-was worth TT$5,644.08 per player to the T&TFF.
In short, Groden contended that sponsors hustling to get on board after the team's qualification for the Germany World Cup insisted that the T&TFF put aside one third of their money for the 2010 campaign, which must not benefit the present players.
Even if the T&TFF was honest in its assessment that money be split only after deducting expenditure, the local body calculated expenses from February 2005 while the deal with the players was done nine months later.
The income and expenses section had questionable figures too.
In near two years-a period that included six World Cup qualifiers and the farewell fixture for retired legend Russell Latapy-the T&TFF claimed to receive just $5,217 from its bar. The bar was clearly a monumental failure considering that, in the expenses column, $238,715 was subtracted for refreshments.
A paltry $20,000 was budgeted for the sale of banners over the same period, with $300,000 for broadcast rights as well as $9.3 and $8.6 million for ticket sales and sponsorship, respectively.
Yorke might have been surprised to note that the players were paying their own salaries too. The players' match fees, allowances, accommodation and transportation were all deducted from their World Cup bonus package, as were the T&TFF's "FIFA/CONCACAF dues", gate equipment and scouting fees.
Yorke does not hold an accounting degree, but he clearly felt that something was awry.
"We cannot see how we can build on anything if the contracts that we enter into are not worth the paper they are written on. It is for these reasons we now feel the need to say goodbye to the international stage," said Yorke, who read from a prepared statement on Friday.
It is Warner who agreed a contract with the Warriors, but, to date, only Groden has defended the T&TFF's interpretation of it.
Yorke was scheduled to leave Trinidad yesterday evening to return to his employers, Sunderland FC in England. The Warriors' 5-0 win over St Vincent might be the last time that local fans see him sport national colours. T&TFF press officer Shaun Fuentes could not confirm Warner's whereabouts yesterday.

57

Football / Campaign for the retirement of #10

« on: October 07, 2006, 06:35:20 PM »

was I the only one who was shocked to see another player in #10? Doesn't that shirt deserve to be retired?

58

Football / Euro cup qualifiers

« on: October 07, 2006, 10:37:18 AM »

Watching France v. Scotland on setanta, still 0-0, dont know what France need to do again to score!

59

Football / TTFF statement on eve of Friendly International.

« on: October 06, 2006, 05:39:37 PM »

TTFF statement on eve of Friendly International.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) is mortified by developments that occurred earlier today, regarding an attitude adopted by members of the Soca Warriors World  Cup players who, we are told, plan to boycott tomorrow’s game against St Vincent and the Grenadines.
We are sure the players involved, having attained international fame under the aegis of Team Trinidad and Tobago, are well aware of the deleterious effects of refusing to play for their home country after releases were secured via FIFA, so we must assume they consider their argument strong enough to defend such delinquency.
From where we sit, the situation has been commandeered by motives unbecoming of players with whom we have developed a particular level of understanding moreso over the past year, a relationship largely based on mutual trust, and one which, up to this juncture has delivered in its fullness.
The main issue, as we understand it from third parties, involves returns to players from sponsorship deal sourced solely by the TTFF and which, by agreement of their representatives, are available for detailed viewing. Such an exercise had already been agreed for Monday October 9th, long before we learnt of their plan to withdraw from tomorrow’s game.
Quite naturally, we are appropriately embarrassed by this turn of events and particularly from players whose interests we have sought and defended on a continuing basis. The mere idea of going public in the interim between our discussions and the agreed date for reviewing the sponsorship contracts, indicates less than honorable motives and, in terms of this development, we are especially disappointed.
If by noon tomorrow, the Soca Warriors as we know them do not renege on their current confrontational posture, the TTFF will advise football fans of a matrix of alternatives, including teams and conditions of ticket purchase that may be reviewed in the still-evolving circumstances. (Oct 6, 2006).

Respectfully submitted,
Richard Groden,
General Secretary,
Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation.

Statment and income expenditure - World Cup Games.RELATED NEWS.[/color]

Players in row with TTFF over W/Cup $$.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).

Amidst a row over money, members of the Soca Warriors yesterday announced their retirement from international football after representing Trinidad and Tobago two more times-today's friendly against St Vincent and the Grenadines and Wednesday's match with Panama.
Accusing the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) of reneging on the contractual obligation they made during the 2006 World Cup build-up, 13 members of the World Cup squad announced their decision yesterday during a hastily arranged news conference at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.
Just prior to yesterday's 5.30 p.m. training session at the same venue, captain Dwight Yorke read a prepared statement, which said: "We, the players of the National Team that participated in the World Cup 2006, would like to announce our consideration to retire from international football immediately after our next two games.
"We all recognise the fact that eventual retirement must come to us all, but certainly didn't anticipate this decision, especially following so hotly on the heels of what has been our proudest and most memorable achievements in the game this summer."
Standing in solidarity with their captain were Dennis Lawrence (Swansea), David Atiba Charles (Glenavon), Avery John (New England Revolution), Chris Birchall (Coventry City), Carlos Edwards (Watford FC), Collin Samuel (Dundee United), Stern John (Coventry City), Kenwyne Jones (Southampton), Jason Scotland (St Johnston), Brent Sancho (Gilliangham) and Cornell Glen (LA Galaxy).
"Prior to our qualification for the World Cup, we entered into negotiations with representatives of the TTFF regarding a number of different aspects of our own performances, behaviour and representation of our beloved country. Issues we felt we upheld and delivered on," Yorke read.
"It was recently revealed to us that very disappointedly, the TTFF did not feel the need to deliver on their promises and contractual obligations. Following Government's promise to reimburse the TTFF for all their expenses incurred during this historic achievement, it makes the TTFF's stand even more confusing... This all comes at a time when we feel we should be building for the future with our eyes firmly on South Africa 2010."
Following the statement, Yorke left with his teammates, refusing to answer questions. However, rasta-haired defender Brent Sancho had a few words before stating that more would be revealed following the Panama match.
"It's not just monetary. They have made certain contractual arrangements which they have now reneged on," he said.
Caught unawares by the latest development, TTFF general secretary Richard Groden released a statement, saying the federation was mortified by developments that occurred. Full Story Here.
Meanwhile, a letter addressed to TTFF advisor Jack Warner, coming from accountant Kenny Rampersad, suggested that of approximately $13 million of sponsorship money raised during the campaign, a third, or $4,425,100, was diverted to kick off the 2010 World Cup campaign.
Rampersad's letter to Warner states: "In particular, we have estimated the costs for hotel accommodation and players' fees and allowances, which we understand were paid by you. In addition, since many of the sponsors contributed to both the Germany campaign as well as South Africa 2010, the sponsorship income was treated in the following manner, two thirds for the Germany campaign and one third for the South Africa campaign, as determined by The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation."T&T tackle St Vincent amidst money woes.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).[/size]

Soca Warriors swansong.

The Trinidad and Tobago national football squad planned to make their first step towards the 2010 South Africa World Cup at 6.30 p.m. today in a friendly fixture against St Vincent and The Grenadines at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.
Instead, local fans seem set to witness a farewell tour as the "Soca Warriors" yesterday vowed to sign off their international careers against St Vincent today and Panama on Wednesday.
The national players, led by team captain and Sunderland attacker Dwight Yorke, declared their intention to retire from international duty after their next two friendly fixtures as a result of an alleged breach of contract by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF).
The players appeared in good spirits at yesterday's training session and several players, including the Coventry City duo of Stern John and Chris Birchall, stayed late into the dusk for extra shooting practise.

But national coach Wim Rijsbergen was not happy.

"This does not help our preparation," Rijsbergen told the Express. "I do not think I should say any more at this time. So many things are being said already."
Today's fixture is the Warriors' first home game since their historic 2006 World Cup campaign and pits them against an ambitious Vincentian team with several familiar faces in their ranks.
Coach Zoran Vranes, an ex-Yugoslav international, led Trinidad and Tobago in their unsuccessful 1998 World Cup qualifying campaign and, ten years ago, gave striker Stern John-the country's record goal scorer-his first cap.
Versatile lanky defender Wesley John and the pacy, diminutive Kendall Velox have also won hundreds of Trinidad and Tobago fans after being introduced to the local football scene by Caledonia AIA.
St Vincent are a late replacement for Central American outfit, Nicaragua, but enjoy a good run after recently eliminating Jamaica-minus their foreign players-from the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying series.
St Vincent are ranked at 129th in the world by FIFA, which is 73 places below the Warriors although still ahead of the 165th placed Nicaragua. The Caribbean team should be an enthusiastic but ultimately outclassed opponent.
Yet it is unlikely that Rijbergen's squad cared much for a scouting report on Velox yesterday.

Yorke and his men targeted a more formidable opponent.

The 2005 T&TFF Player of the Year discouraged questions after yesterday's press conference and the players were vague as to exactly what "contractual obligation" they felt their employers had breached.
However, Yorke's explanation that the T&TFF's stand was "confusing and ultimately disappointing", since the Government promised to reimburse the organisation for "expenses incurred during this historic achievement", suggested that money was at the root of the fall out.
The T&TFF admitted as much in a release that defended its distribution of sponsorship money even before the players publicly accused them of anything unethical.
T&TFF general secretary Richard Groden issued T&TFF's release in such haste, in fact, that he was embarrassingly short on facts, even as he berated the players.
Groden, who anticipated a strike from the players, warned of the "deleterious effects" of this "delinquent" move. He further gave the Warriors a deadline of noon today to "renege on their current confrontational posture" and take the field against St Vincent.
The irony of the T&TFF's inability to assess the current situation would not be lost on players who argued that their faith in the local body was so eroded they felt promises from the Federation "are not worth the paper they are written on".
In fact, the players have decided against confrontation entirely.
They confirmed that they would play in both matches. The players worked at an upbeat tempo on the training ground yesterday and gave no indication that they will lack commitment today or on Wednesday.
After Wednesday night, they will presumably leave the country's football affairs up to the T&TFF, unless they are convinced of a drastic change in attitude.
The future looks bleak for Rijsbergen who, barely a month ago, declared an unwillingness to field a team without his best foreign-based players. It is likely to be an uneasy weekend between players, coach and administrators.

60

Football / While we argue about U-17 playing in SSFL...

« on: October 05, 2006, 11:37:04 AM »

While we argue about our U-17 playing in SSFL, this is what a real program is doing, and the kids not missing out on school as classes are being continued for the month online. Will we ever be truly ready for the world stage? BTW, Sheannon Williams is a product of several TT football camps including Joe Public.


From US Soccer

U.S. U-17 MNT Arrives in Uruguay, Eyes Oct. 5 Match vs. Uruguay

United States Under-17 Men’s National Team
Training Camp Update
October 4, 2006 – Montevideo, Uruguay

ESTAMOS AQUI EN MONTEVIDEO: The U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team has arrived in Uruguay to begin their month-long trip in South America, taking up residence in Montevideo on Monday afternoon (Oct. 2). Head coach John Hackworth put the group through the paces on Wednesday afternoon in their third training session since touching down. The U-17’s will face their first international test of the tour on Thursday, Oct. 5, when they take on Uruguay at Estadio Centenario. The match has been moved to 5 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET), to accommodate GolTV, who will now broadcast the match locally. A full match report will be available following the match at ussoccer.com

HACKWORTH NAMES 20-MAN ROSTER FOR URUGUAY MATCH: One day before their match against Uruguay, head coach John Hackworth named the 20 players that will be available, making four players inactive for the match. The four inactive players are goalkeeper Larry Jackson, defenders Christian Ibeahga and Brandon Zimmerman, and midfielder Ryan Gracia. The match is the first of nine matches (four internationals) the U.S. U-17s are scheduled to play while in Uruguay and Argentina.

U-17 MNT Roster vs. Uruguay
GOALKEEPERS (2): Josh Lambo, Zac MacMath
DEFENDERS (6): Mykell Bates, Lonnie Carter, Kofi Sarkodie, Howard Turk, Matthew Uy, Sheanon Williams
MIDFIELDERS (: Danny Barrera, Greg Garza, Jared Jeffrey, Brendan King, Amobi Okugo, Jesse Paredes, Kirk Urso, Daniel Wenzel
FORWARDS (4): Jose Altimorano, Ryan Finley, Axel Levry, Ellis McLoughlin.

U-17 Match Schedule
Date      Opponent
Oct. 5     Uruguay
Oct. 10   Peru *
Oct. 13   TBD (New Zealand or Argentina) *
Oct. 16   River Plate
Oct. 19   TBD
Oct. 23   Rosario Central
Oct. 24   Newells Old Boys
Oct. 25   Paraguay
Oct. 28   Renato Cesarini

* Four Nations Tournament

SETTLING IN: The team is enjoying early spring weather here in Montevideo, having settled into their Uruguayan headquarters in the residential neighborhood of Carrasco, which is situated in the department – the U.S. equivalent of a state – of Canelones, just outside the city limits of Montevideo and 15 kilometers from downtown. It’s a 10-minute ride to the training site at LosCeibos, a sports club and the training site for the first division side Danubio. A ‘ceibo’ is a type of tree, the blossom of which is a deep, rich tangerine color and is the national flower of both Argentina and Uruguay. The training site has four fields, including one for rugby, and has its own built-in fan base consisting of two dogs and six horses that are frequently seen observing the proceedings. At least it looks like they’re watching…

NEXT STOP - ARGENTINA: After meeting Uruguay, the team heads south – and one time zone back – on Friday when they catch a 29-minute flight to Buenos Aires. They’ll set up shop for a couple days before embarking on a 10-hour bus ride to San Luis to compete in a four-team tournament that also includes Argentina, New Zealand and Peru. The U.S. first faces Peru in the 15,000 seat Estadio Juan Gilberto Funes on Oct. 10, and will then meet the winner of Argentina vs. New Zealand three days later.

TAKING A HISTORY TOUR: The group got a rare glimpse inside the rich soccer history of the country on Thursday morning when they were escorted on a two-hour tour of Montevideo, beginning with a stop at the Gran Parque Central. Home of 39-time Uruguayan champion Nacional, the stadium has the distinction of hosting the first-ever match in World Cup history. Played on July 13, 1930, the contest pitted Belgium against a nation little known for its football exploits at the time, the United States. The U.S. won the match 3-0, but it was Uruguay who would win the inaugural tournament, collecting the first of two World Cup titles. La Celeste Olímpica have also laid claim to two Olympic titles, in 1924 and 1928. After watching the training session of Nacional, the U.S. team then inspected the match field at Parque Mendez Piana, which sits across the street from Montevideo’s other famed stadium, El Centenario, site of the 1930 World Cup final. From there it was a bus tour through the downtown areas and past the beaches along the Rio Plate (Silver River), the widest river in the world and the natural barrier between Montevideo and Buenos Aires.

GEARING UP: Both the United States and Uruguay are in preparation mode for their upcoming qualifying tournaments for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held Aug. 18-Sept. 9 in South Korea. The U.S. will compete in the CONCACAF Final Round Qualifying Tournament in April of 2007, in which five teams will gain entry into the 24-team World Cup. Meantime, Uruguay is getting ready for the Sudamericano Sub-17 championship that will take place in Ecuador next March and April.

FIVE TEAMS ALREADY IN: Five teams – all from the AFC – have qualified for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup. South Korea was given an automatic bid as host, while Japan, North Korea, Syria and Tajikistan all qualified during the AFC U-17 Championship, which took place from Sept. 3-17 in Singapore.

WHEN IN ROME…:In addition to their usual studies, the players are getting educated in the local language by receiving Spanish lessons every other day. The coaches have joined in on the act, too, with Raul Diaz Arce seeming to be a very, very quick learner. Some are showing less fear than others in practicing their new vocabulary.