Warner: T&T side is team of the future
Trinidad Guardian
Fifa Vice President and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Fifa Under-20 World Championship, Jack Warner arrived in Egypt on Monday night to much fanfare.
Immediately upon his arrival, Warner mentioned that the T&T team is the team of the future. “This Trinidad and Tobago team is the team of the future,” said Warner. “The development of sport is intricately related to the development of any country. For the sake of the country I only hope that the government in power understands this.” Warner added, “I would have imagined that after Germany 2006 the government would have understood the power of sport. We are pumping millions of dollars into the marketing of Trinidad and Tobago, selling our country to the world. Nothing is more powerful than sport. Sport can topple any barrier, it can unite all forces. Why the government is insisting on sidelining and ignoring this obvious marketing tool is truly mind boggling to me.”
The tournament is scheduled to kick-off tomorrow and the opening match, which will see T&T square off against host Egypt, is expected to attract over 80 million Egyptian viewers and another one billion the world over.Last night, Warner held a meeting with his Fifa staff and members of the Local Organising Committee, to ensure that all systems were operational to ensure the successful hosting of the tournament. However, during the meeting, Warner was confronted with an issue not relating to his tournament or his team, but his home country. “Mr Warner, I mean no disrespect, and please understand that this question has been raised by a number of Egyptians. Trinidad and Tobago is opening this tournament. Over 80 million Egyptians will be viewing this match and we have no clue about your country. Of course we know the team but I am sure your country has so much to offer, how can we learn about your country,” said a member of the LOC
The Chairman obviously disturbed by the question did not attempt to hide his frustration over the lack of marketing.
“ My brother, no disrespect taken, and I apologise for the lack of information. It saddens me to know that the decision makers in Trinidad and Tobago failed to recognise the power of the tournament and the importance of this team. But I promise you that I will attempt to find a solution to the problem before I return from Brazil.” Warner, who is the longest serving Vice President of Fifa, will be departing Egypt for Brazil on Saturday to attend a special sitting of the Fifa Executive as well as a private dinner with President Lula, the President of Brazil. He is expected to return to Egypt for a brief period before heading to London for the “Leaders in Football Conference” on October 7 and 8. He is expected to visit the national youngsters later this evening.
