March 28, 2024, 08:36:12 AM

Poll

Who will make a good TTFA president.

Kelvin Jack
5 (11.9%)
Nigel Myers
3 (7.1%)
Flex Mohammed
12 (28.6%)
Terry Fenwick
6 (14.3%)
Somebody Else
15 (35.7%)
Brent Sancho
0 (0%)
David-John Williams
0 (0%)
Foreign Investor
1 (2.4%)

Total Members Voted: 42

Author Topic: TTFA News Thread.  (Read 117132 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline asylumseeker

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18073
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #630 on: February 02, 2022, 04:08:41 PM »
I see the palace coup is completed.

Offline asylumseeker

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18073
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #631 on: February 04, 2022, 06:22:09 PM »
WATCH: Wired868's Lasana Liburd discusses the appointment of Anton Corneal as TTFA Technical Director with the SportsMax Zone.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/ljFqjN543ZI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/ljFqjN543ZI</a>

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #632 on: February 05, 2022, 07:44:39 PM »
TTFA proposes new auditor after incumbent resigns.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).


Local football members are questioning the decision to appoint Aegis Business Solutions, a premier outsourcing & advisory services provider in the Caribbean, as the T&T Football Association's auditor for 2021, 2022 and beyond.

This will be decided at a virtual Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the T&TFA on Monday at 5:30 pm. The decision to propose Aegis Business Solutions as a replacement for Madan Ramnarine and Company comes after a literal juggling exercise that eventually led to the resignation of Madan Ramnarine and Company on December 31 last year (2021).

Guardian Media Sports was told that the Normalization Committee hosted the 2020/2021 T&T Football Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 26, last year and proposed the appointment of Grant Thornton Orbit Solutions (GTO) as the external auditors for the financial statements for 2020 and 2021.

At the 2020/2021 AGM, the TTFA Membership identified a clerical error in the 2019 AGM Minutes which led to Madan Ramnarine & Co being appointed as the auditors for TTFA’s Financial Statements for 2020. The AGM then reconfirmed that Madan Ramnarine & Co be appointed as auditors for the TTFA’s Financial Statement for 2020 and Grant Thornton Orbit Solution be appointed the auditors for the TTFA’s Financial Statements for 2021.

However, on October 6, last year, Madan Ramnarine & Co resigned and the normalization committee, being led by businessman Robert Hadad approached (GTO) to be the auditor for 2020. They were also expected to do the financial statements for 2021.

In a sudden turn of events, however, GTO declined the appointment following the resignation of Madan Ramnarine and Company, thereby opening the door for Hadad and company to approach Aegis Business Solutions, BDO and PKF to submit proposals to conduct the audits of the TTFA’s financials.

Both Aegis Business Solutions and PKF were the only ones to submit proposals as the other company (BDO) pulled out based on a potential conflict of interest due to their provisions of forensic and other services in other territories for FIFA and CONCACAF.

The normalisation committee in a release explained to its members that it received proposals from Aegis and PKF and based on their analysis of the proposals as well as the cost differentials, Aegis' proposal was accepted and is being proposed to the TTFA General Membership for approval.

Yesterday Selby Browne, president of the Veteran Football Foundation (VFF) and Akel Baig, general secretary of the Northern Football Association wrote to the Hadad and company expressing their concern.

Baig in his representation of the NFA is demanding answers to; why has Madan Ramnarine resigned; why three different external auditing firms by the NC in one year; what did it cost the TTFA to retain three auditing firms; demanding a statement of independence from new auditors; what was the procurement method used to select an external auditor; how does Aegis Business Solutions intend to deal with the state of bankruptcy highlighted by the normalisation committee; and how many audits have Aegis done under bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings.

Browne also had some questions for the normalisation committee that centre around:

1. The proposal for another audit firm without a profile of that company is attached to the Notice, as was the case with the proposal for Grant Thornton; 2. The reason for the replacement of Grant Thornton, while it is wondered whether it is their non-independence of the TTFA, CONCACAF and FIFA;

3. Whether the process of extending invitations to submit proposals from all the major accounting firms with operations in the Republic was utilized to include the big four globally, namely, KPMG, PWC, Deloitte and EY.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #633 on: February 09, 2022, 01:11:06 AM »
Aegis accepted as TTFA auditors, membership fees waived.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).


Aegis Business Solutions, a premier outsourcing & advisory services provider in the Caribbean was on Monday accepted as the new auditing firm for the T&T Football Association.

The approval by the association's general membership at a virtual Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) is being seen as a move forward in the sport.

The endorsement means that the firm will do the football association's Financial Statements for 2020 to 2021, and 2021 to 2022.

The new auditors replace incumbent Madan Ramnarine and Company which resigned on December 31, 2021amidst a proposal by the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee last year for Grant Thornton Orbit Solutions (GTO) to take over as the external auditors for the financial statements for 2020 and 2021.

The latter who resides at Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain, later pulled out following the resignation of Madan Ramnarine and Company. However, on Monday, 26 of the 28 eligible members voted in favour of having Aegis as the new auditors, while two members abstained.

Selby Browne, president of the Veteran Football Foundation of T&T told Guardian Media Sports on Tuesday that the acceptance of the Aegis is critical to the clearance of the debt that's currently crippling local football. This debt, the normalisation committee has put as a whopping $98.5 million.

Browne who made several recommendations through the VFF to fix the problems affecting the sport, further explained that there will be a waiver of fees for members when play resumes.

"The other item that came up was the question of the compliance status and the recommendation to the committee was that the fees that are now due, that are payable by the membership, be adhered to and a recommendation was made for a $2000 annual fee for the new Coaches Union that has been admitted.

I moved a motion that the fees be honoured and paid by the membership and that the 2000 fee be accepted, that motion was seconded, it went to a vote and did not find favour with the meeting," Browne explained.

He added: "There was a motion by Osmund Downer, a former FIFA referee, to have the membership fees waived for the period 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 until play had been reinstated post-COVID-19 and that was seconded and found favour with the membership."

That decision did not resonate nicely with Browne who believes the decision to waive the fees was counter-productive and reminiscent of the reasons the football association has found itself in the position it has, saying: " It is very significant from my own perspective that members, yes we can appreciate the fact that during the downtime, there was no activity and no club registration in the case of associations or zones and no membership registration in the case of clubs which would affect your finances, but one would expect that members of the tTTFA to be able to withstand or even seek an adjustment as was recommended by the south zone, to adhere to the payment only but after we restart the football.

You see it leads to the business of the TTFA being continued and conducted and the membership playing their roles and taking seriously the importance of their role in this matter at the highest forum of the TTFA. Unfortunately, it was clearly evident that this matter goes back to the several decades that caused the TTFA to be in this position that it finds itself in financially."

The outspoken football administrator was however high in praise for Acting general secretary Amiel Mohammed who he said was an advocate of communication in the TTFA which he has always called for.

It was Mohammed who led clear communication among the membership for the appointment of the new auditor, Browne said. He called for this communication to be continued on other issues such as the selection and appointment of staff and personnel by the normalisation committee.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline asylumseeker

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18073
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #634 on: February 09, 2022, 06:32:09 AM »
Aegis accepted as TTFA auditors, membership fees waived.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).


...

"The other item that came up was the question of the compliance status and the recommendation to the committee was that the fees that are now due, that are payable by the membership, be adhered to and a recommendation was made for a $2000 annual fee for the new Coaches Union that has been admitted.

I moved a motion that the fees be honoured and paid by the membership and that the 2000 fee be accepted, that motion was seconded, it went to a vote and did not find favour with the meeting," Browne explained.

Because? Why? Where's the beef? What's the beef?

EDIT: Maybe the reporter can fill that gap.
« Last Edit: February 10, 2022, 03:01:51 AM by asylumseeker »

Offline Tallman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 25250
    • View Profile
At long last, football in T&T has returned!
« Reply #635 on: April 07, 2022, 04:45:30 PM »
At long last, football in T&T has returned!
By Colin Murray (T&T Guardian)


I am certain that many of you will agree that It’s great to see local football being played once again. Over the last two years, we had to be content watching the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, etc on our television sets and not knowing when T&T’s clubs could take the field again to compete was disconcerting.

When the Minister of Sport and Community Development announced the opening of contact and team sports, many sportsmen and women breathed a sigh of relief knowing that they could compete again and for some athletes, it presented a welcomed opportunity to refine their goals of perhaps one day playing on the international stage. Even though the Minister made the announcement, both the Pro League and the Super League did not seem ready to restart their competitions so it was left to the Ascension Football League to fill the void and put together a ten-team tournament comprising of clubs throughout the length and breadth of Trinidad to participate and how well they have done thus far.

The games are played on weekends starting on Fridays with a double-header at Phase 2 La Horquetta Recreation Ground then on Saturdays another double-header at the Arima Velodrome and lastly, on Sundays a game at the St James Police Barracks. The players have only been able to train for about 3 to 4 weeks but credit to them as the matches have been very competitive (perhaps surprisingly given the relatively short training period) and the players have been giving heart and soul to the football field. The crowds that have converged, especially at the La Horquetta ground on a Friday evening, have been phenomenal. The community has come out in their hundreds to support their local team - Terminix La Horquetta Rangers - and they have been richly rewarded by seeing them play hard competitive and constructive football.

It was easy to look at the players and realise that their fitness levels were not at 100%, also some players were not quite used to the style of play of the teams but one could not question the effort of all players thus far. I can see the teams improving and playing a better brand of football in the next couple of weeks when their fitness levels improve and when they understand exactly the style of play that is required by their respective coaches.

Indeed, it certainly has been a productive start to the resumption of football and I can see quite a few players knocking on the door of coach Angus Eve and basically saying, “hey coach, do you remember me?” which augurs extremely well for football in Trinidad and Tobago.

Another organisation that has held its hand up and is supporting football in Trinidad and also in the sister isle is Tiger Tanks. Their competition, Tiger Tanks Under-20 Men’s Invitational Football Tournament, kicked off last weekend in Tobago and the action continues this weekend with five matches in Trinidad and two in Tobago. As mentioned, our youngsters have not had competitive football for two years so it was good to see them back on the field of play. Yes, they will take a long while to adjust to the conditions and style of play of their teams, but many of these youngsters were about to break into their school’s first team in 2020 and so have missed 2 critical years of their development from 16 to 18 years of age. Most, if not all of them, have now left secondary school and would have had to slot into these Under-20 teams with a style of play that is new to many of them as they would have come from Under-16 school tournaments. Hopefully, parents, friends and club supporters would come out to support these youngsters as they are the future of Trinidad and Tobago’s football in 4 to 5 years’ time they should be pushing to be fixtures on the national team.

With reference to the national team, the Soca Warriors have won the three-team tournament played at the Hasely Crawford stadium against a very ordinary Barbados team and a tougher Guyana team. I must say the fans who came out for the first time in 2 years to witness the Warriors play live seemed disappointed that they did not execute a victory against the Golden Jaguars. There is no doubt on paper that the Warriors are a better unit so coach Angus Eve would have been equally disappointed that the chances created were not put away.

Despite the setback against Guyana, there is a lot to look forward to with the national team. They are involved in the Concacaf Nations League in League B / Group C alongside Nicaragua, St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Bahamas. It is imperative to do well in this tournament as winning the group will result in promotion to League A (along with Mexico, USA, etc.) and automatic qualification for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The incentives are there for the Soca Warriors and coach Eve, who now has in addition to the foreign-based players, local ones competing week in and week out to choose from so he should be able to pick his best squad barring injuries and/or club commitments.

Last but by no means least, the women Soca Warriors take on Turks and Caicos and Guyana on April 9th and April 12th respectively in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers. After victories in two previous qualifying games coach, Kenwyne Jones seems quietly confident that his team can pull off two more victories. He indicated that he has the majority of his squad which suggests to me that he has the squad he would have wanted to be able to be victorious. In fact, Jones has openly said he expects them to win both matches. Turks and Caicos should be a comfortable victory for them, especially when one considers the fact that they have conceded a whopping 26 goals thus far in their group matches; 7 against Guyana and 19 (yes, the result was 19-0) against Nicaragua. On the other hand, Guyana is unbeaten having won 4-0 and 7-0 against Dominica and Turks and Caicos respectively.

I must say, I have been impressed with the job Jones is doing. He seems focused on the job at hand, he is a no-nonsense individual, committed, serious and expects nothing but 100% from his charges. He has the playing experience from his professional days to turn things around when they are not going according to plan. However, he is still learning the trade as a national coach but like him, I believe the Women Soca Warriors will be victorious in the two World Cup Qualifying games. Good luck to them!
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Tallman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 25250
    • View Profile
Selby Browne’s football reset plan
« Reply #636 on: April 18, 2022, 01:43:58 PM »
Selby Browne’s football reset plan
T&T Express


President of the Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFOTT) Selby Browne wants to be the next president of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association.

In an effort to achieve this goal, he has assembled experienced members from the local football fraternity and also young professionals who are actively involved in football nationally and internationally.

Browne says he and his team will roll out their plans for the “new TTFA” over the coming weeks and months. Currently, local football is being run by the FIFA-appointed normalisation committee headed by businessman Robert Hadad.

Appointed in March 2020 to deal with the TTFA’s debt problem for an initial period of two years, the committee’s life has since been extended to March, 2023, after which elections will be held for a new administration to run the TTFA’s affairs.

Here, Browne outlines his vision for taking the game forward; his “TTFA Reset 2022-23.”

Against a background of the appointment of the FIFA normalisation committee on March 17 2020 for a two-year term, with an extended year for completion of its mandate, and the Covid-19 shutdown for the past two years, the national senior male football team has unsuccessfully participated in the qualification matches for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and did not advance out of its group at the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021 and now awaits preparation for the CONCACAF Nations League 2022. The national women’s team is involved in qualification matches for the FIFA Women Cup 2022.

The highlight of the football landscape since the return to normalcy granted on the advice of the health technocrats has been limited to the hosting of a triangular tournament between Barbados, Guyana and the national male team in which Trinidad and Tobago won the trophy, along with the excitement of the Ascension League and Tiger Tanks tournaments.

However, what is the status or plan with respect to the Pro League teams, the Super League teams, the roll-out of the Secondary School and Primary School Leagues along with WoLF (women’s league) and the zonal operations to embrace teams within their region and the community Leagues?

The structure for the New TTFA for which discussion will be invited, will be based on four pillars to ensure the proper development of the Trinidad and Tobago football style.

Pillar 1- Finance and Administration:
There must be professional personnel on all TTFA committees.
The revenue generation assets of the TTFA must include the Home of Football in addition to sourcing investment for an attractive ROI.
The TTFA must directly strengthen zonal football.
Nationals with sport business administration skills must be sourced whether they are based nationally or internationally.

Pillar 2 - Marketing and Media
All TTFA national and international football must be marketed.
Sales personnel must be sourced.
Information technology (IT) personnel familiar with global football technology must be recruited.

Pillar 3 - Structure:
There must be juvenile foundation football development.
A youth football development programme must be produced.
Primary and secondary schools should play within their zones together with community teams.
The secondary schools should play adult teams and then against themselves for the InterCol competition.
An Elite football development programme must be established.
There must also be a national teams residential training programme.
International tournaments must also be part of the national programme.

Pillar 3 - Training and development
Trained nationals with coaching experience in the development of juveniles must be sourced.
Nationals coaching actively at the highest level internationally must be identified.
Nationals who have played at the highest level nationally and internationally must be recruited.
Nationals skilled with advance training methodology must be engaged.
Nationals with sport medicine training and practice must also be sourced.

Pillar 4 - Training and development for:
Club Administrators
Referees
Coaches
Tournament coordinators

And as Trinidad and Tobago awaits the completion of work by the FIFA normalisation committee for presentation of its recommendations to the TTFA membership for review, Browne and his team stress that the Home of Football must remain a vital TTFA asset as it is key to generating revenue for the rebuild and restructure of football in T&T.

He says the next nine-month period will be critical for the rebuild and restructure of the game.
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Tallman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 25250
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #637 on: August 15, 2022, 09:36:05 AM »
T&T football failure—‘Enough is Too Much’
By Lennox Sirjuesingh (T&T Guardian)


Dear Editor,
The recent failures of our football to participate in the CFU and CONCACAF Youth Tournaments for boys and girls in U14 and U16 is a testimony of the National Sporting Association’s inability to manage its affairs. Successive attempts and calls at jolting the TTFA into action have been simply “dead ends” due to a lack of commitment to long-term programming.

Former national coach Terry Fenwick on his elevation to the post, elected president of Northern Football Association, Ross Russell, technical directors Dion La Foucade and Anton Corneal all in positions to duly agitate and propose to follow up on their calls for Youth Football have not resulted in action.

In this regard, now is the time for the national community to declare, “Enough is too much.”

Far too much, for us to sit and accept this sorry state of affairs with selected personnel to manage our game not understanding their roles and duly performing.

The suggestions are wide-ranging from proven theories, and tried and tested programmes but sorely lacking in implementation in our country. It appears as though as soon as one becomes a Sports Administrator in our major sporting organisation, he is an authority knowing everything and suggestions given in good faith are often ignored.

Youth sports and long-term involvement and achievement are non-existent. Often these overnight authorities come with a little track record of performance.

We don’t have to look beyond our region to find the result of youth and national development with Jamaica as the finest example.

They qualified for a World Cup, Women’s second World Cup both ahead of us, while today we cannot field teams in age-groups Under-14 and 16s.

One may be tempted to start a “minor league” of Youth Football and hope to be the example for these “overnight success” failures.

There is even a need for us to examine and appreciate our past programmes, largely conducted on commitment and volunteerism without amateurism, but a level of measured attainment in our Youth Football, where we were the first Caribbean nation to qualify for an Under-19 World Cup.

The Under-14 team of 1981 which gave us Russell Latapy, Dwight Yorke, Shaka Hislop, Ancil Elcock, Wayne De Bique (and for good measure Brian Lara) stands out as the most beneficial programme in Youth Football ever conducted in our country. Bertille St Clair can attest to that.

The situation today seems to be “pay” for everything we do. National coach Angus Eve recently reminded us of his parental involvement and investment in him his development through which he developed. A fine example indeed.

There are other such families known for their support for their children. Imagine the disappointment of an Under-14 child being told we are not going to the tournament.

Are we so insensitive or just another example of the “Square Peg”?

The TTFA must understand that “administration” is to blame for everything, as I was taught during at a FIFA Futuro Course conducted by Hugo Salcedo and which has greatly influenced my life opportunities to lead.

Be it Normalisation Committee or whatever there is to be proper acceptance of the responsibility or “doing the honourable thing”.

Those of us who so unselfishly served our game and country can stand tall today and feel our service to our people in Sports, and elsewhere, was not in vain.

“Enough is Too Much”!

Lennox Sirjuesingh

Former TTFA Administrator,
FIFA Referee, CFA Secretary,
Chaguanas
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #638 on: September 07, 2022, 11:08:42 PM »
Consideration of TTFA debt repayment proposal.
TTFA Media.


Delayed by appeals

The Court’s consideration of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s (TTFA) repayment proposal filed under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, will be slightly delayed as the court was asked for a short adjournment to consider filings made by former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, former T&T national coach Terry Fenwick, and sports marketer Peter Miller.

The Honourable Justice Devindra Rampersad sat virtually on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 to consider the application to approve the repayment proposal, filed by Maria Daniel, the Trustee acting on behalf of the TTFA’s FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee (TTFA NC). The repayment proposal was unanimously approved by TTFA’s creditors on May 5, 2022, at a meeting chaired by the Supervisor of Insolvency.

Attorneys Rekha Ramjit and Nera Narine, acting on behalf of Warner,have filed various applications challenging the Trustee’s decision to disallow the claims of Warner and his various companies. At 3pm, on the day before the hearing, the Trustee was notified of applications made by Kiev Chesney and Chelsea Chesney,representing Fenwick and Miller,who are now also appealing against determinations made by the Trustee with respect to their claims.

Kerwyn Garcia, instructed by Chrishaunda Baboolal, acting on behalf of the Trustee, requested to have all matters related to the TTFA’s debt repayment brought before one judge to facilitate better case management and economy of time and effort. Mr. Garcia emphasised the need to have all matters determined expeditiously so that the TTFA could complete its restructuring exercise and proceed with the task of developing football in Trinidad and Tobago, which is of national importance. All parties agreed and the matter was adjourned to September 26, 2022.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Tallman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 25250
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #639 on: September 20, 2022, 02:52:40 PM »
Edwards to members: Don’t sign audited TTFA statements
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)


Keiron Edwards, president of the Eastern Football Association (EFA) is advising the local football membership not to put their stamp of approval on the T&T Football Association’s Audited Financial Statement when it comes up for approval at tomorrow’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Home of Football (HoF) from 8.30 am.

Edwards, in a letter, addressed to the head of the Normalisation Committee Robert Hadad on Saturday (September 17), titled Re: Concerns regarding the Audited Financial Statement for the years ended 31st December 2020 and 31st December 2021’, outlined five main reasons for his concerns, namely Erroneous Reporting; Unauthorised Removal of Fixed Assets from the Association; Presentation of Financial Statement in an environment of bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings; Neglected Disclosure Notes to the Financial Statements; and Increased Debt under the Normalization Committee, which all stemmed from the audited report of the TTFA auditor AEGIS Building Solutions.

The eastern football association boss is calling on the TTFA to deal with the concerns first before the audited statement can be sent out to the membership for approval.

Under the headline of Erroneous reporting, Edwards said: “According to the Auditor’s Report, AEGIS Building Solutions stated, “We were unable to determine whether any adjustments might have been found necessary in respect of recorded and unrecorded plant and equipment.” This was because assets were not tagged and there was no proper record keeping of the fixed asset register, which did not include proper descriptions of assets.”

According to Edwards, this means that the figure stated for fixed assets on the Statement of Financial Position of the Audited Financial Statements was incorrect.

He later questioned- then how did the balance sheet balance? as it further suggests that there is a corresponding error on the credit side of the financial statements referred to as a compensating error. “It further suggests that there may be more erroneous and unrealistic figures on the statement of comprehensive income and the statement of cash flow as well,” Edwards noted.

“These financial statements, with the errors noted by the auditor, brings into question the integrity of the Audited Financial Statements for both years and it is not advisable for the members to sign them. The financial statements are now overshadowed by doubt regarding their accuracy, understandability and usefulness and must be corrected before it is presented to the members.”

Edwards also expressed particular concern with the area of unauthorised removal of fixed assets from the association, saying, “It appears that some fixed assets were removed from the Association without authorization. As such, the figures on the Balance Sheet may be inflated. It is therefore likely that there has been a material amount of theft or fraud regarding the Fixed Assets in the TTFA. In fact, the auditors stated that they were unable to verify assets because some Assets were taken off-site and not returned to the Association.”

Edwards’ letter to Hadad on Saturday was accompanied by nine questions seeking responses for if fixed assets were untagged, how then can the determination for Note 3 in the notes to the Financial Statements and the charge for depreciation be deemed; What measures have you put in place to ensure proper record keeping; to how can fixed assets be removed from the premises without proper record keeping, among many others.

Edwards also pointed to the area of Neglected Disclosure Notes to the Financial Statements, saying- “ International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), requires that financial statements must be accompanied by disclosure notes, which assist users of the financial statements in understanding the financial position of the entity. However, the following notes were not disclosed in the Association’s Audited Financial Statements for the years ended 31st December 2020 and 31st December 2021.

These notes, he said, were missing for Inventory under the summary of significant accounting; for office equipment and computer; the impairment of fixed assets; and for employee benefits, as it relates to vacation and pension, among many others.

Edwards made it clear to Hadad and his members that as the manager of the association that they are responsible for safeguarding the fixed assets of the association. “You are required to be accountable for the funding given to you by FIFA and the Government of T&T which you have failed to do. This illustrates that you continue to manage the affairs of the association in a manner that is not financially prudent and responsible,” Edwards said.

Edwards said he has not yet received a response from the normalisation committee and yesterday Guardian Media Sports also requested a comment from Hadad on the concerns expressed by Edwards but got no response.
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Deeks

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18631
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #640 on: September 20, 2022, 03:23:40 PM »
Wow. It appears someone has some balls to challenge the NC. Let’s see how far this goes.

Offline asylumseeker

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18073
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #641 on: September 20, 2022, 07:50:49 PM »
Wow. It appears someone has some balls to challenge the NC. Let’s see how far this goes.

Connect de dots.

Offline Tallman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 25250
    • View Profile
Hadad refutes Edwards TTFA accounts concerns
« Reply #642 on: September 21, 2022, 07:24:18 AM »
Hadad refutes Edwards TTFA accounts concerns
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)


“The concerns which you raised are blown out of proportion.”

This is a summary of the Normalisation Committee (NC), managers of the T&T Football Association’s, (TTFA) response to concerns raised by Keiron Edwards, president of the Eastern Football Association (EFA) on the TTFA’s audited financial statement, which will go before the membership for approval from 8.30 am this morning at the Home of Football in Balmain, Couva.

Edwards called on the membership to not sign the accounts when it is presented at today’s annual general meetings (AGM) based on the football association’s audited accounts which was done by Aegis Business Solutions, Chartered Accountants.

The EFA’s boss, in a letter to the TTFA/NC on Saturday, quoted from the Aegis’ report for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 31st December 2021, which stated: “We were unable to determine whether any adjustments might have been found necessary in respect of recorded and unrecorded plant and equipment. This was because assets were not tagged and there was no proper record keeping of the fixed asset register, which did not include proper descriptions of assets.”

Edwards said that statement meant that the figure stated for fixed assets on the statement of financial position of the audited financial statement was incorrect, and later questioned how the embattled football association was able to balance their accounts.

Edwards also pointed to five areas of the audited statement where there were other concerns, such as Erroneous Reporting; Unauthorised Removal of Fixed Assets from the Association; Presentation of Financial Statement in an environment of bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings; Neglected Disclosure Notes to the Financial Statements; and Increased Debt under the Normalisation Committee.

FIFA $$$ dependent on approval

Yesterday, however, Robert Hadad, chairman of the NC, in a response told Edwards they had just stated the correct position of the football association and reminded all that the audited accounts needed to be approved for FIFA subventions for the rest of this year and part of next year to be received.

“Their audit opinion specifically addresses the deficiencies in the systems and internal controls applicable to plant and equipment, specifically, the furniture and fixtures, given the difficulty they encountered in verifying some of the assets in this category.

“Given the fact that furniture and fixtures account for 4.3 per cent of the assets on the balance sheet as at that date, I believe that the concerns which you raised are blown out of proportion. The basis for the qualified opinion, in our humble view, in no way shape or form suggests that there may be more erroneous figures on the statements of comprehensive income or cashflow.”

In a four-page document, Hadad sought to clear the air on the concerns raised by saying: “The audit opinion clearly states that except for the effect of the above the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the TTFA as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, and its financial performance and cashflows for the years then ended in accordance with IFRS for SMEs.

“You should note that the NC inherited these deficiencies in the internal controls over the plant and equipment and have been working to strengthen them. Some of the items referred to by the auditors related to purchases made prior to 2017, while others were not clearly described. However, we are pleased to report that the majority of the furniture and equipment at the HOF has now been tagged and our Fixed Asset register has been updated.

There are a few items which are still not accounted for and the accounting staff will be making recommendations to write off if these are not resolved. They have advised that the value of these items will be quite immaterial and will be below the total value of furniture and fixtures, which as noted above represent 4.3 per cent of the TTFA’s total assets as at December 31, 2021. Once resolved, the updated Fixed Asset register with the corresponding asset tags will be shared with the NC.

Hadad denies theft or fraud regarding TTFA Fixed Assets

“We would also like to make it very clear that there is no evidence to suggest ‘... a material amount of theft or fraud regarding the Fixed Assets in the TTFA’.”

Bugged by circulating opinions that the NC has performed poorly for the three-year period it has been in charge of local football, Hadad in his letter also made it clear: “The NC has not appointed an internal audit committee. This will be included in the new governance structure. However, we have been working closely with the FIFA Financial Governance team, which scrutinises all our expenditure and insists that all reports are submitted before disbursing funds.

A FIFA Central Audit team also visited in July 2022 to audit the TTFA’s use of FIFA funds and did not raise any concerns. In fact they advised that since 2020 we had put significant controls in place and we continue to work on improving the control environment. Therefore, we would appreciate if you, Mr. Edwards, could supply evidence to support your assertion that the NC has failed to account for the funding given to the TTFA by FIFA and the GORTT.”

In the area of ‘Going Concern’- Hadad explained that the auditors were right that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the TTFA’s ability to continue as a going concern, and he noted further that that uncertainty is dependent on the outcome of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) process, which is currently working its way through T&T’s legal system.

“If the proposal is approved all creditors will be paid some portion of the amounts due to them and the TTFA will be in a position to continue serving the football community in T&T, free of debt. If not, the TTFA will be wound up and creditors will receive much less than they have been promised under the BIA.”

Hadad also reminded Edwards of the following:

Disclosures in the financial statements

As stated in their audit opinion, the TTFA’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs). This is a financial reporting framework applied by entities that are not publicly traded and publish general purpose financial statements for external users.

The standard is designed and tailored to the needs of Small and Medium-sized Entities to ensure these entities are effectively able to comply with the international reporting framework guidelines without significantly affecting their bottom-line. The main difference between full IFRS and IFRS for SMEs is the simplified nature of IFRS for SMEs as some topics in full IFRS are omitted and some accounting policy options are not allowed. Also, many of the recognition and measurement principles in full IFRS have been simplified, and substantially fewer disclosures are required.

However, despite this, it should be noted that depreciation rates and impairment have been captured in note 2(d) and we do not believe that the other notes are relevant since inventory, employee benefits, severance, financial risk management and fair value are not applicable to the TTFA. The latter two are more relevant to financial institutions and larger publicly traded entities.

Debt under the Normalization Committee

Loans and borrowings have actually declined under the NC. Falling by 30.77% from $4.03 million in 2019 to $2.79 million in 2021.

However, Accounts Payable increased by 10.88% over the same period, from $44.11 million in 2019 to $48.91 million in 2021. Of this, interest payable increased by 63.57%, from $519,829 in 2019 to $850,278 in 2021. This represents interest due on the GORTT and CONCACAF loans for which no interest has ever been paid. Therefore, each year we accrue for the interest payable for that year. The interest on the CONCACAF loan must be paid in 2025/26 after the final principal payment is made, as per the agreed amortization loan schedule. Therefore, we can expect this line item to continue to increase going forward.

Other payables and accruals have remained fairly consistent around the $29 to $30 million mark. However, what has been increasing are amounts due to the GORTT for statutory deductions like income tax, national insurance and health surcharge and the interest and penalties due on these. The NC inherited a situation where deductions were made, but not remitted to the statutory authorities. In fact the TTFA was never registered with the Board of Inland Revenue or the National Insurance Board and we found no evidence of remittances being made with respect to statutory deductions. Therefore each year, as interest and penalties rise, these figures continue to increase and as at December 31, 2021 this figure totalled $9,080,751. We are now in the process of regularizing this situation.

Statement of comprehensive income

Revenue has declined by $24.12 million, or 62.5% from 2019 to 2020. As the pandemic shut down activity, grants declined by $13.44 million or 51.4%. Sale of rights, appearance fees, and the write back of statute barred liabilities, which accounted for $9.17 million, disappeared. And sponsorship fell by 55.9%, from $2.47 million to $1.09 million. Thankfully, grants were back up to $20.5 million in 2021, as footballers returned to competition, albeit under constrained circumstances with the support of the FIFA Covid Solidarity Grants.

Total operating expenses also declined from $35.78 million in 2019 to $15.41 million in 2020, before increasing to $25.04 million in 2021. The increase from 2020 to 2021 was primarily due to depreciation on the Home of Football, match fees, overseas travel and professional and legal fees. The technical professional fees were earned by the coaching staff and the administrative professional and legal fees were primarily incurred for the Bankruptcy and Insolvency process, consulting and payroll services. Details can be provided to the Membership on request.

The NC therefore rejects your assertions that it continues to adopt an ostentatious approach to management of the TTFA. In fact we have been quite prudent and have ensured that we did not incur any debts that we could not service.
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline asylumseeker

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18073
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #643 on: September 21, 2022, 04:57:30 PM »
Hadad was ALWAYS going to refute the assertions. Awaiting the next impasse.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #644 on: September 22, 2022, 12:18:31 PM »
TTFA membership blanks audited financials.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)..


Issues raised about the Audited Financial Statement of the T&T Football Association (TTFA) for the periods 2020 and 2021 prevented it from being approved by the membership at the Annual General Meeting of the TTFA at the Home of Football in Balmain, Couva, yesterday.

All other items on the agenda, inclusive of the budget, were approved by the 31 members who turned up out of the total of 47, Guardian Media Sports was told.

A motion was moved to delay the passing of the audited financials due to issues raised by Eastern Football Association president Keiron Edwards a day ago, and 17 members voted in favour of, while there were 14 abstentions. 

It was agreed that the members will return in 17 days’ time for an Emergency General Meeting (EGM), at which time the issues raised will be dealt with to the satisfaction of the members, and another attempt will be made to have the audited financials approved.

The TTFA can only receive subventions from the sport’s world governing body FIFA once the audited financials are approved and this was stated to the members by Robert Hadad, chairman of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee (NC) which is currently managing the affairs of the organisation.

Edwards raised some concerns about the validity of the audited statement when Aegis Business Solutions, Chartered Accountants, the auditors for the embattled football association stated: “We were unable to determine whether any adjustments might have been found necessary in respect of recorded and unrecorded plant and equipment. This was because assets were not tagged and there was no proper record keeping of the fixed asset register, which did not include proper descriptions of assets.” 

Edwards said that meant that the figure stated for fixed assets on the Statement of Financial Position of the Audited Financial Statements was incorrect.

On Tuesday, a letter responding to the concerns of Edwards was sent out by the TTFA but it did not convince members during the meeting.

Edwards speaking after the AGM said, “The AGM went well, we would have passed most of the items. We passed the budget, we passed most of the items. The audited statements were postponed for 17 days, we must have some consultation with the normalisation committee about it and we would have that in the next 17 days, in an attempt to pass it at an EGM.

“These issues were there, it’s just a time for us to have further discussions on it and we will come up with some solutions and be able to pass the audited statements where persons will be comfortable.

“There were some things to address and we will treat with it, but there are still things that need to be addressed,” Edwards explained.

Attempts to get a comment from the Amiel Mohammed of the football association proved futile as calls to his phone went unanswered.

Eddison Dean of Club Sando said he does not see anything changing ahead of the EGM in 17 days’ time.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #645 on: September 26, 2022, 11:49:59 PM »
Consideration of TTFA debt repayment proposal to be decided on September 28, 2022.
TTFA Media.


The Court’s determination of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s (TTFA) repayment proposal filed under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act is expected to be made on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 by the Honourable Justice Devindra Rampersad.

On September 7, 2022, the Honourable Justice Rampersad sat virtually to consider the application to approve the repayment proposal filed by Maria Daniel, the Trustee acting on behalf of the TTFA’s FIFA-appointed Normalization Committee (TTFA NC). At that hearing, the Court approved a short adjournment to September 26, 2022, to consider filings made by former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, former T&T national coach Terry Fenwick and sports marketer Peter Miller.

On September 6, 2022, the Trustee was notified of applications made by the attorneys representing Fenwick and Miller appealing against the determinations she made regarding their claims. At the September 26, 2022 hearing, attorney’s Bronock Reid and Kiev Chesney, representing Fenwick and Miller respectively, agreed to the Trustee’s proposal of having the invalidated portions of their claims set aside and placed in trust, pending the final determination of their appeal hearings. The funds that will be set aside will be allocated from the US$3.5 million financial instrument approved by the TTFA and unanimously by the creditors to fund the proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. Creditors owed up to TT$200,000.00 will be paid in full and balances above that will be pro-rated.

Attorney Nera Narine, acting on behalf of Warner, presented arguments challenging the Trustee’s decision to disallow the claims of Warner and his various companies. While Kerwyn Garcia, instructed by Chrishaunda Baboolal, acting on behalf of the Trustee, defended the position of the Trustee’s determinations and the ethics and compliance requirements of the proposal’s debt financiers and emphasized the national significance of the substantive matter for the future of football.

The Honourable Justice Rampersad adjourned the matter and is expected to provide his verdict on the TTFA’s application for the approval of the repayment proposal on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #646 on: September 28, 2022, 05:39:47 AM »
Justice Rampersad to rule on TTFA debt repayment Wednesday.
T&T Guardian Reports.


The Court’s determination of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s (TTFA) repayment proposal filed under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act is expected to be made on Wednesday by High Court Judge Devindra Rampersad.

On September 7, Justice Rampersad sat virtually to consider the application to approve the repayment proposal filed by Maria Daniel, the Trustee acting on behalf of the TTFA’s FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee (TTFA NC).

At that hearing, the Court approved a short adjournment to Monday to consider filings made by former FIFA vice president Jack Warner, former T&T national coach Terry Fenwick and sports marketer Peter Miller.

On September 6, the Trustee was notified of applications made by the attorneys representing Fenwick and Miller appealing against the determinations she made regarding their claims.

At the September 26, hearing, attorneys Bronock Reid and Kiev Chesney, representing Fenwick and Miller respectively, agreed to the Trustee’s proposal of having the invalidated portions of their claims set aside and placed in a trust, pending the final determination of their appeal hearings.

The funds that will be set aside will be allocated from the US$3.5 million financial instrument approved by the TTFA and unanimously by the creditors to fund the proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

Creditors owed up to TT$200,000.00 will be paid in full and balances above that will be pro-rated. They will also have the option to be paid in US or TT dollars.

Attorney Nera Narine, acting on behalf of Warner, presented arguments challenging the Trustee’s decision to disallow the claims of Warner and his various companies.

Kerwyn Garcia, instructed by Chrishaunda Baboolal, acting on behalf of the Trustee, defended the position of the Trustee’s determinations and the ethics and compliance requirements of the proposal’s debt financiers and emphasised the national significance of the substantive matter for the future of football.

Justice Rampersad adjourned the matter and is expected to provide his decision on the TTFA’s application for the approval of the repayment proposal today.

The proposal was developed by Daniel and her EY Team in collaboration with the TTFA’s FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee and will be funded by an interest-free USD$3.5 million instrument that the TTFA will have ten years to repay.

There were 299 creditors listed in the trustee’s repayment proposal with a total unsecured debt of TT$84.5 million. Ninety-three of these submitted had claims amounting to $59.3m of which 88 were validated with a value of $34.4m before today’s meeting. Fifty-one of them (or their proxies) registered and voted at today’s meeting.

Notably absent was the TTFA’s largest listed creditor, Austin Jack Warner, who topped the list with a debt of $22.7 million. Daniel advised the meeting that Warner did not submit a claim for validation.

The trustee’s original proposal, which creditors received on April 22, was enhanced before the meeting—total funding was increased by US$500,000 to US$3.5 million, and instead of allocating a TT$3 million provision for the BIR and the NIB, funds would now be set aside for outstanding payments monthly.

The meeting included representatives from the Office of the Supervisor of Insolvency; law firm Fitzwilliam, Stone, Furness-Smith & Morgan; EY; and Normalisation Committee chairman Robert Hadad and member Nicholas Gomez.”

There were also submissions from Anton Corneal, the current technical director, former national coaches Dennis Lawrence, Russell Latapy, Stern John and former General Secretary Sheldon Phillip, who submitted the biggest claim for $12 million, among many others.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #647 on: September 29, 2022, 12:58:23 AM »
Judge signs off on TTFA's debt repayment proposal.
By Jada Loutoo (T&T Newsday).


TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Football Association’s (TTFA) repayment proposal has been signed off by the High Court judge who was approached by the local football body for protection under bankruptcy and insolvency law.

On November 8, 2021, the TTFA filed for protection under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act as it faced a crippling debt crisis.

On Wednesday, at a brief hearing, Justice Devindra Rampersad approved the repayment proposal filed by Maria Daniel, the trustee acting on behalf of the TTFA’s FIFA-appointed normalisation committee.

He was also told the six objectors to the application, chief among them former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, were withdrawing their challenge.

Attorney Rekha Ramjit, who represents the six, said the decision to withdraw the objection was made “after careful consideration.”

She said Warner, a former Concacaf president, expected any protracted litigation could have negative and damaging effects on football in TT and its presence in the 2026 World Cup.

She said there were other legal options open to her clients and those are being pursued. However, she said it was felt the withdrawal of the objection would be in the best interest of football.

Earlier this year, the TTFA presented its proposal to the court for approval to liquidate the body’s massive debt.

In a statement, the body said it had “notified the Supervisor of Insolvency of its intent to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act of TT which will enable a structured approach to the restructuring of the TTFA and the preparation of a fair, transparent and acceptable payment proposal to address the TTFA’s debt.”

In May, the TTFA announced that creditors voted unanimously in favour of the debt repayment proposal which would see them receiving anywhere from 63 cents on the dollar to 100 per cent of the money owed to them.

Creditors were invited to vote after a comprehensive 45-minute presentation by Daniel that gave a full illustration of how the TTFA found itself in its current state of debt and the options that were considered before arriving at utilising the restructuring option available through the Bankruptcy Act option, the TTFA said.

It said the proposal is expected to be funded by an interest-free US$3.5 million instrument that the TTFA will have ten years to repay.

Creditors owed up to TT$200,000 will be paid in full and the balances above that will be pro-rated. They will also have the option to be paid in US or TT dollars.

According to the TTFA, there were 299 creditors listed in the trustee’s repayment proposal with a total unsecured debt of TT$84.5 million. Ninety-three of these submitted claims amounting to $59.3 million of which 88 were validated with a value of $34.4 million.

Warner is the TTFA’s largest creditor with a debt of $22.7 million.

Also appealing against the trustee’s decision to invalidate a portion of their claims were former TT men's team coach Terry Fenwick and sports marketer Peter Miller.

Daniel’s original proposal, which creditors received in April, was enhanced with an increase of US$500,000 to US$3.5 million, and instead of allocating a TT$3 million provision for the BIR and the NIB, funds would now be set aside for outstanding payments monthly, the TTFA said.

Representing the trustee were attorneys Kerwyn Garcia and Chrishunda Baboolal.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Deeks

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18631
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #648 on: September 29, 2022, 10:55:07 PM »
Finally ?????????

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #649 on: October 01, 2022, 12:57:53 AM »
Edwards hopes TTFA avoids ‘Big Stick’ approach to get audits pass.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).


President of the Eastern Football Association, Keiron Edwards says he is hoping that the Normalisation Committee-led T&T Football Association (T&TFA) shies away from using a “Big Stick” approach in trying to get the 2020 and 2021 Financial Statements and Independent Auditors Reports approved.

On September 21, Edwards moved a motion to delay the passing of the audited financials with 17 members voting in favour, while there were 14 abstentions with all other items on the agenda, inclusive of the budget being approved by the 31 members who turned up out of the total of 47 at the Annual General Meeting of the TTFA which was held at the Home of Football in Balmain, Couva.

The decision to move to motion impacts the T&TFA’s ability to function as it can only receive subventions from the sport’s world governing body FIFA once the audited financials are approved and this was stated to the members by Robert Hadad, chairman of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee (NC) which is currently managing the affairs of the organisation.

Back then Edwards raised some concerns about the validity of the audited statement when Aegis Business Solutions, Chartered Accountants, the auditors for the embattled football association stated: “We were unable to determine whether any adjustments might have been found necessary in respect of recorded and unrecorded plant and equipment. This was because assets were not tagged and there was no proper record keeping of the fixed asset register, which did not include proper descriptions of assets.”

Among the concerns raised by Edwards was that the figure stated for fixed assets on the Statement of Financial Position of the Audited Financial Statements was incorrect.

A day earlier, a letter responding to the concerns of Edwards was sent out by the TTFA but it did not convince members during the meeting.

Edwards speaking after the AGM said, “The AGM went well, we would have passed most of the items. We passed the budget, we passed most of the items. The audited statements were postponed for 17 days, we must have some consultation with the normalisation committee about it and we would have that in the next 17 days, in an attempt to pass it at an EGM.

“These issues were there, it’s just a time for us to have further discussions on it and we will come up with some solutions and be able to pass the audited statements where persons will be comfortable.

And, on Monday, September 26, in a letter to TTFA Acting General Secretary, Amiel Mohammed, Edwards again stated his concerns on behalf of the membership.

Edwards in his letter pointed out that the TTFA’s auditors AEGIS Business Solutions qualified the audit report on the grounds of uncertainty. As such, they cannot determine the value of TTFA’s fixed assets.

“Therefore, we do not know if the amount omitted or overstated was 5%, 10% or 20%. Materiality can only be applied in a situation when you are aware of the quantum of the issues presented and it can be quantified and applied. But in the case of T&TFA, we do not know the amounts omitted or overstated so we do not know if it’s material or not.

The fact that the financial statements of the TTFA were qualified on the grounds of uncertainty by the External Auditors means that the amounts are material. If it were immaterial the auditors would have ignored it.

In conclusion, Edwards stated, “Ultimately, there are two members of the Normalization Committee that are qualified Accountants namely, Nigel Romano and Trevor Nicholas Gomez and in addition, they represent FIFA, as such, they should be held to a higher standard of accountability and transparency. “The Normalization Committee should not ask the members of the TTFA to approve financial statements that are overshadowed by doubt, uncertainty, and irregularities.

“As such, please correct these issues before it is presented to the members of the association for approval.

But in response, the T&TFA through Mohammed issued a response that informed its members to review information regarding the audited financial statements of the T&TFA for the years ended 31 December 2020, and 2021 in which they have tried to answer the concerns raised by Edwards, and also issued another letter informing of the Extraordinary General Meeting on Saturday, October 8 at the Home of Football, from 10 am.

However, contacted for comment Edwards said that the T&TFA send back the same statements that the membership didn’t approve the first time around.

“We have already spoken on these documents and are hoping that a meeting is held before the Extraordinary General Meeting is held so that we can go over the issues in person. They have to remember that the membership of the T&TFA is the deciding body on any concerns and concerns raised by the membership should and must be taken into consideration, and discussed before we move forward.”

“So I’m currently awaiting feedback on a suggested meeting to be held between us the membership and T&TFA.

“We already had a discussion with two members of the Normalization Committee and have explained to them our concerns and we were hoping for a more organised meeting to follow, but we are seeing that the T&TFA has issued a release regarding the EGM on Saturday, October 8 for 10 am to have the 2020 and 2021 statements approved.

“But we are hoping that this is not a “Big Stick” approach being used by the governing body, and they are serious just as us about getting these issues resolved by having the meeting before the EGM, with its membership.”

RELATED NEWS

SSFL president : Court ruling on TTFA debt repayment a wake-up call.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).


SECONDARY Schools Football League (SSFL) president Merere Gonzales believes the High Court’s decision to approve the TT Football Association’s (TTFA) repayment proposal is a progressive step, but should also serve as a “wake-up call” to the sport’s administrators and stakeholders.

Gonzales, a TTFA executive member, expressed relief when, on Wednesday, Justice Devindra Rampersad signed off and approved the association’s repayment proposal filed by Maria Daniel, the trustee who acted on behalf of the TTFA normalisation committee.

This decision will allow the TTFA to begin dispensing payments to its creditors, some of whom, have been owed for more than a decade.

“I’m extremely gratified by the court’s ruling because it’s a step in the right direction since it’s in the best interest of TT football. Our football is at a stage where it needs further advancement, promotion, development and all that is necessary to become very progressive,” he said.

Gonzales credited Daniel and the normalisation committee for helping the TTFA reach this critical juncture.

He hopes this experience, which began in March 2020 when FIFA removed the then president (William Wallace) and his executive for shoddy financial management, serves as an eye-opener to administrators.

“We can only benefit from a decision like this taking into consideration that very grave errors, financial improprieties and lack of accounting were made. If we don’t learn from our history then we are doomed. I don’t think we would want to return to such a point.

“We have to ensure all TTFA stakeholders do what is necessary so their books and finances are in order, which will put us in good stead so, the annual FIFA subvention would be comfortably provided. We need to be transparent and accountable. It’s a massive wake-up call,” he added.

Gonzales said that the TTFA, and all other local sporting bodies, need to understand the importance of proper financing, budgeting and utilising their assets in a very prudent way.

This, he said, would aid the beneficiaries, mainly players, to achieve their goals and aspirations through the competent planning of administrators, inclusive of proper financial audited reports and statements.

Normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad shared similar sentiments.

Commenting on the landmark approval, Hadad said, “I am grateful. We look forward to finally paying the debts that have crippled the Association for many years.

“This is another milestone along the path to fully remediating football and we will continue to work on completing this process. I would like to thank the trustee and her legal team and the TTFA staff for their efforts in helping us to reach this significant milestone.”

This comes after the TTFA notified the supervisor of insolvency, on November 8, 2021, of its intent to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (2007) of TT, which would enable the restructuring of the TTFA using a fair, transparent and acceptable process to address the association’s long-standing debt.

The process, which was managed by licensed independent trustee Daniel, allowed the TTFA to manage its operations and provide a stay from all legal proceedings and creditor actions for a period of up to six months.

On May 5, 2022, Daniel met with creditors at the Home of Football, Couva, under the chairmanship of the supervisor of insolvency, where she outlined the process that she and her team undertook to validate creditor claims and work with the normalisation committee to develop the proposal.

At this meeting, the proposal which would be funded via an interest-free US$3.5 million financial instrument, was approved unanimously by the creditors whereby validated creditors owed up to TT$200,000 will be paid in full and balances above that will be pro-rated.

The trustee sought to have the proposal approved by the High Court on September 7.

However, Justice Rampersad sought a short adjournment to consider filings/appeals made by former FIFA vice president Jack Warner, former TT men’s coach Terry Fenwick and sports marketer Peter Miller.

At a hearing on Monday, attorneys Bronock Reid and Kiev Chesney, representing Fenwick and Miller respectively, agreed to the trustee’s proposal to have the invalidated portions of their claims set aside and placed in a trust, pending the final determination of their appeal hearings.

The funds that will be set aside will be allocated from the US$3.5 million financial instrument.

And, on Wednesday, at the substantive hearing before Justice Rampersad, Warner, through his attorney Rekha Ramjit, withdrew their matters and the proposal was approved.

The trustee will now work with the normalisation committee and the proposal’s financiers to prepare the payments to the validated creditors under the guidelines of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the terms approved by the creditors.

A TTFA statement on Wednesday night said the judge’s decision “granted a new lease on life” for the TTFA.

In March 2020, the FIFA Council suspended the TTFA with immediate effect due to grave violations of the FIFA Statutes. The decision came after a FIFA/Concacaf fact-finding mission to TT to assess, together with an independent auditor, the financial situation of TTFA.

This found extremely low overall financial management methods, combined with massive debt, have resulted in the TTFA facing a very real risk of insolvency and illiquidity.

FIFA then appointed a normalisation committee, headed by Hadad, to run the TTFA'S daily affairs, establish an implementable debt repayment plan and to review and amend the TTFA Statutes (and other regulations where necessary) and to ensure their compliance with the FIFA Statutes and requirements.

« Last Edit: October 01, 2022, 01:01:03 AM by Flex »
The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Tallman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 25250
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #650 on: October 05, 2022, 12:56:55 PM »
FIFA satisfied with TTFA's audited financials
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)


Three days before the T&T Football Association (TTFA) holds an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) to treat with issues highlighted by its members in its audited financial statement for 2020/2021, comes confirmation from the sport's world governing body - FIFA that it is satisfied with the statement.

At an annual general meeting (AGM) on September 21 at the controversial Home of Football in Balmain, Couva, Keiron Edwards, president of the Eastern Football Association (EFA) received tremendous support in delaying the approval of the audited financials based on five main reasons, such as Erroneous Reporting; Unauthorised Removal of Fixed Assets from the Association; Presentation of Financial Statement in an environment of bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings; Neglected Disclosure Notes to the Financial Statements; and Increased Debt under the Normalisation Committee, which all stemmed from the audited report of the TTFA auditor AEGIS Solutions.

In the report, AEGIS confirmed that they were unable to determine whether any adjustments might have been found necessary in respect of recorded and unrecorded plant and equipment.

Edwards said because of this, figures quoted in the financial statement could not be validated and convinced members at the September 21 AGM to have the audited financials dealt with at an EGM 17 days after that meeting, which is carded for Saturday.

However, a letter from FIFA's Head of Financial Governance & Oversight Services Christopher Suppiger on September 30 made it clear that failure to present audited financials by June 30 will result in the restriction of funding.

"It is important to highlight that the FIFA Forward Regulations require all member associations to submit the audited financial statements irrespective of the opinion of the auditor. However, it is worth noting that even though the 2020 and 2021 financial statements had a qualified opinion, we consider the reason for qualifying the opinion immaterial and we are comfortable with the financial statements presented at the TTFA General Assembly held on September 21st, 2022."

The letter also stated: "According to article 16 of the FIFA Forward Regulations, 'For each financial year, the FIFA general secretariat shall conduct a FIFA central audit review of all member associations and confederations that have received Forward 2.0 funds in the previous year'. Therefore, we would like to emphasize that the results of the recently concluded 2021 Central Review conducted by independent auditors appointed by FIFA, were positive and in line with the FIFA Forward Regulations, having the recommendations made jointly by FIFA and the auditors been fully implemented or currently under implementation since the appointment of the Normalisation Committee of the T&T Football Association (TTFA).

"We would like to make reference to Article 14 of the FIFA Forward Regulations, which states that all member associations must submit annually their audited financial statements and the signed minutes of the member association’s congress or general assembly where these are presented and approved by June 30th. Failing to do so will result in the restriction of funding."

Yesterday, Edwards refused to comment on the letter, saying he did not have the document from FIFA before him and would respond accordingly.

Coincidentally, Head of Sport Development at the Sports Company of T&T Justin Latapy-George, in a letter dated September 30, responded to an inquiry by TTFA general secretary Amiel Mohammed about its audited report.

According to Latapy-George: "Further to your inquiry re the bolded and underlined subject above, this correspondence is to confirm that the Board of Directors of the Sports Company of T&T Ltd (SPORTT) remains committed to assisting national governing bodies (NGBs) for sport with the production of audited financial reports.

"This assistance is on the condition that the audited financial reports are produced by an entity/individual that is currently a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of T&T (ICATT) and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) is used to produce this report.

"Audited financial reports generated consistent with the above criteria will be accepted by SPORTT and recognised as fulfilling the compliance requirement for the submission of such reports."

AEGIS coincidentally also submitted a four-page document on September 30 to confirm that the audited financial statement presented on September 21, was done according to international standards.
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #651 on: October 08, 2022, 11:18:02 PM »
Audited financial statements approved at EGM.
TTFA Media.


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at the Home of Football on Saturday 8 October 2022 where the Association’s audited financial statements for years ended 31 December 2020 and 2021 were approved by the General Membership.

At the TTFA’s Annual General Meeting, which was held on 21 September 2022, all other matters were addressed and approved. The Membership voted in favor of deferring the approval of the audited financial statements to the EGM in an effort to provide Members with more time to digest its contents and to have any queries answered.

The approval of the audited financial statements, which follows the recent approval of the Association’s debt repayment proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, allows the TTFA to move forward positively in an effort to remediate football.

Over the next few months, the TTFA will be working with the stakeholders of the football fraternity to develop and execute long-term development plans. A few of these plans, such as the High Performance Programme, Girls Play Development Campaign, Academy and Safeguarding Registrations have already begun to be rolled out and will be expanded, in conjunction with league development plans, very soon.

TTFA launches Safeguarding Initiative

TTFA launches FIFA Girls Play campaign

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Tallman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 25250
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #652 on: October 10, 2022, 11:30:27 AM »
Hadad hails 'positive step' as TTFA audited financial statements approved
By Jonathan Ramnansingh (T&T Newsday)


TRINIDAD and Tobago Football Association’s (TTFA) audited financial statements for 2020 and 2021 have been approved by its membership.

The approval came with “some conditions” but these are expected to be ironed out and made official, within the coming days.

TTFA normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad and Eastern Football Association president (EFA) Kieron Edwards breathed a sigh of relief following the membership’s decision to finally approve the Aegis Business Solutions-audited statements.

Both administrators were upbeat on the landmark move and believe it’s a step in the right direction for T&T football.

“It is another positive step in football after the recent Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act approval. We are excited about moving football forward and working with the football fraternity to get the sport back to a level we can all be proud of.

“Our doors are opened to the stakeholders and we look forward to working with them. Let’s get going together,” Hadad said.

The welcomed approval came 17 days after the association’s annual general meeting (AGM), where it was decided to postpone the action, and hold talks with the normalisation committee to address some minor concerns raised by members.

Edwards said, “The financials were approved but with some conditions. The normalisation committee would have to provide some further documents to the audited statement but that would be provided. It should be a simple process.”

At the EGM, Edwards said members showed strong interest in clarifying certain issues, holding persons accountable and ensuring their questions did not go unanswered.

He was, however, pleased the TTFA had arrived at such a crucial juncture and communication between the normalisation committee and members had improved for the betterment of T&T football.

“This approval was the first time I felt that football is going in a right direction, especially when members are asking pertinent questions towards important issues. We have to continue the process.

“Once documents are brought before us to approve, it cannot be a rubber stamp. We (membership) have to look at the information before us and make proper representation.

“So when we cast that vote of approval, it must be one that we are comfortable with and we can take back to our members and let them know that a decision was made in the best interest of the TTFA,” he added.

Edwards said there was positive feedback from the normalisation committee and confirmed that Hadad mentioned that they “need to do a little better with communication.”

The future looks promising, he told Newsday.

“We look forward to seeing this level of communication and dialogues continue in a respectful manner in which it did for matters going forward. We continue to look forward to better and brighter days ahead for football.

Of the 48 TTFA members, approximately 30 were present for Saturday’s EGM. The approval of financial statements for 2020 and 2021 was the only item on the EGM agenda.

Edwards added that the approval is one of several requirements needed by FIFA for the TTFA to request its FIFA Forward Funding.
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #653 on: October 19, 2022, 12:48:40 AM »
TTFA officials attend FIFA workshop in Miami.
T&T Newsday Reports.


NORMALISATION committee chairman Robert Hadad, acting general secretary Amiel Mohammed and TT Football Association’s club licensing and project manager Amara Felix-Toussaint are all attending a FIFA Forward Project at the Marriott, Miami Airport, Florida, USA.

The workshop started on Monday and ends on Wednesday.

The FIFA Forward programme has strived to demonstrate its importance as a catalyser towards achieving FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s vision to make football global. The Forward programme’s fundamental purpose, as a key source of funding to be invested in the game, is to support all FIFA member associations through an efficient development framework focused on the materialisation of tailor-made solutions for the advancement of football worldwide.

A TTFA media release on Tuesday, said, “The workshop will focus on how to make the most of the FIFA Forward programme by means of consolidating knowledge and grasping its essential management principles to enable participating member associations to put in place efficient processes, tools and structures to ensure access to FIFA Forward funds and full compliance with the relevant regulations.”

Presidents, general secretaries and designated administrative staff related to project management from member associations across the region are among those attending the workshop.

“Member associations will have the opportunity to share best practices from a project management and financial viewpoints, discuss and convey their main objectives and challenges for the new Forward cycle, and to clarify doubts in the diligent use of the funds received under the FIFA Forward programme.”

Participants will have the opportunity to interface and take advantage from the contributions of experts from FIFA on the planning, implementation and monitoring of different football development projects, in particular in the major areas of interest, such as national teams, infrastructure and competitions. The workshop will also be an occasion to share knowledge and key learnings acquired from member associations in the region. Time will also be allocated for bilateral meetings between each member association and both the FIFA Membership Association Americas Sub-division and the Financial Governance teams, to review the status of the programme and particular plans for the future.

RELATED NEWS

Hadad, TTFA officials at FIFA Forward Workshop
T&T Guardian Reports.


FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee chairman Robert Hadad, acting general secretary Amiel Mohammed and Amara Felix-Toussaint, the TTFA’s Club Licensing and Project Manager are all currently attending the FIFA Forward Project at the Marriott, Miami Airport in the USA.

The workshop runs from October 17-19 and will focus on how to make the most of the FIFA Forward Programme, by means of consolidating knowledge and grasping its essential management principles to enable participating MAs put in place efficient processes, tools and structures to ensure access to FIFA Forward funds and full compliance with the relevant regulations.

Attendees include Presidents, General Secretaries and designated administrative staff related to project management, from MAs across the region.

Member Associations will have the opportunity to share best practices from a project management and financial viewpoint, as well as discuss and convey their main objectives and challenges for the new Forward cycle, and to clarify doubts for use of funds received under the FIFA Forward Programme.

Participants will have the opportunity to interface and take advantage from the contributions of experts from FIFA on the planning, implementation and monitoring of different football development projects, in particular in the major areas of interest, such as national teams, infrastructure and competitions. The workshop will also be an occasion to share knowledge and key learnings acquired from MAs in the region. Finally, time will also be allocated for bilateral meetings between each MA and both, the FIFA MA Americas Sub-division and the Financial Governance teams, to review the status of the programme and particular plans for the future.

Since its inception, the FIFA Forward Programme has strived to demonstrate its importance as a catalyser towards achieving FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s vision to make football truly global. The Forward Programme’s fundamental purpose, as a key source of funding to be invested in the game, is to support all FIFA Member Associations (MA) through an efficient development framework focused on the materialization of tailor-made solutions for the advancement of football worldwide.

Among its various fields of action and contribution aiming to level the field of play and competencies between MAs on and off the pitch, the Forward Programme aims to give support to develop projects and initiatives based on the concrete needs and objectives of each MA. Among other prospects positively impacting football and its stakeholders, the Programme contributes to enhancing infrastructure conditions, improving and expanding domestic competitions, boosting national teams’ performance and defining development pathways for women and youth football.

As the kick-off of Forward 3.0 approaches, FIFA shall continue to pursue and reassert its full commitment to the implementation of the Programme working hand in hand with its MAs to fulfil the priorities of football in their respective countries. Forward 3.0 (2023-2026) cycle will bring about new regulations, new requirements and new opportunities to continue growing the game across the Caribbean region through the implementation of high and long-term impact projects benefitting the region’s football landscape.

« Last Edit: October 20, 2022, 01:15:25 AM by Flex »
The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18062
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #654 on: November 02, 2022, 11:43:07 PM »
The importance of registering your academy with the TTFA.
TTFA Media.


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association is continuing its campaign to have football academies throughout the country complete its Registration process with the local governing body.

An integral part of the TTFA’s Vision and Mission is to improve playing conditions, standards and increase the possibility of success at all levels. The development of aspiring young talents is at the core of these objectives, and Academy Registration or Accreditation process introduced by the TTFA is a step taken to strengthen and improve the Youth Development System in the country.

Together, we will set the benchmark for player development in through the academies and support the clubs and their academies in nurturing the next generation of player in Trinidad and Tobago

TTFA Technical Director Anton Corneal emphasised, “One of the main reasons for our academies to be registered with the FA is its one way to track players and their progress, not just for the FA but they will also be registered on a FIFA platform. If a player ends up with a professional club and there is any development fee attached to it, we can then show evidence of where that player was registered and show his history.

“Also when we are disseminating information to players throughout the country, we will do it via the TTFA platforms, directly to these academies. It makes it a lot easier to communicate. Also wherever and whenever there are ways of providing assistance to the academies, priority will be given to those that are registered. Areas such as coaching certification and providing advice on structure will also be among the benefits,” Corneal stated.

WHY IS THE REGISTRATION PROCESS IMPORTANT?

• TTFA supports the Academies with the establishment and development of their youth academies, providing national recognition to those academies/clubs.

• Establishing these academies/clubs helps in developing professional players who have a relationship or/ an identity with the training clubs/academies.

• The vital role of the academies/clubs acting as a link between grassroots football and professional football is ensured.

Please Download the Forms below to Register. Submit to safeguarding.ttfa@gmail.com

TTFA-Academy-Registration-Process

TTFA-SAFEGUARDING-DECLARATION-ACADEMY

FEEDBACK AND OPEN COMMUNICATION

We want to minimise the risk of misunderstanding at every stage. Close and regular communication between the FA, Clubs, Academy Players and parents helps to ensure an enjoyable and productive experience for everyone.

Feedback helps all of the stakeholders to identify areas for improvement that will enhance the learning environment and the playing experience. Comments, suggestions and the raising of concerns help us to manage risks and encourage better performance. Feedback can be sent to technical.ttfa@gmail.com; safeguarding.ttfa@gmail.com

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline maxg

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 6467
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #655 on: November 05, 2022, 11:42:30 AM »
Thinking : I feel we will lose both Lee and Hospedales .  ::)

Offline Tallman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 25250
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #656 on: November 29, 2022, 09:03:10 PM »
TTFA delegates call for fresh elections
T&T Express


Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) delegates have requested that the FIFA-appointed normalisation committee (NC) quickly conclude its mandate and hand the control of local football back to the Association.

As such, correspondence has been sent to the TTFA’s acting general secretary, Amiel Mohammed, requesting the convention of an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to ventilate pertinent issues.

Appointed by world football’s governing body (FIFA) in March 2020, the NC, chaired by businessman Robert Hadad, was given the mandate to liquidate the TTFA’s multi-million-dollar debt, amend the TTFA Constitution in line with FIFA statutes, and to call fresh elections.

The normalisation committee’s term is due to end in March. With the debt eradication process well under way, delegates have written to Mohammed requesting a general meeting.

“In keeping with article 29.2 of the TTFA Constitution, hereby request that the Normalisation Committee convene an extraordinary general meeting of the TTFA,” stated the correspondence addressed to Mohammed.

The correspondence bore signatures of delegates from TTFA members associations; Central Football Association, Eastern Football Association, Northern Football Association, Southern Football Association, Eastern Counties Football Union, TT WoLF, Referees Association, the Football Coaches Association and Secondary Schools Football League.

Within the correspondence the general purpose was to compel the normalisation committee to conclude its work and call elections.

The communique further stated: “Whereas FIFA had installed a normalisation committee in March 2020 to run the affairs of the TTFA, with a specific mandate to be completed within a period of two years ending March 2022, and whereas the tenure of this Normalisation Committee was extended for a further year ending in March 2023, and whereas the Normalisation Committee has had more than sufficient time to complete the mandate.

“Be it resolved that this Extraordinary General Meeting of the TTFA now strongly urge that the TTFA normalisation committee takes all steps to complete its mandate and to arrange for the election of a new Board of Directors to run the affairs of the TTFA as required by the Constitution of the TTFA, and that this be done in the shortest possible time, but no later than the month of March 2023,” it added.
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline ABTrini

  • Sr. Warrior
  • ****
  • Posts: 422
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #657 on: November 30, 2022, 10:48:53 AM »
Omit from consideration:

Kelvin Jack-- why? what administrative skills come to mind?

Terry Fenwick- disaster----- eurocentric thinking- there  appears to be an arrogance which has not been influential in winning friends and influencing others

Brent Sancho- how  successful was he at running pro league team -  did his political affinity prove successful-  was his foray as an administrator one to be emulated?
David-John Williams= had a chance and well let's jusy say this ship has sailed on


Offline Tallman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 25250
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #658 on: December 08, 2022, 05:34:07 PM »
Set TTFA elections date
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)


Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) delegates want a firm date set for impending elections, firmly of the belief that the FIFA-appointed normalisation committee (NC) has completed most of its mandate and should be preparing to demit office and hand control back to local football stakeholders.

Delegates are hoping to ventilate issues at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), set for 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Home of Football, Couva. Amiel Mohammed, acting TTFA general secretary, confirmed the EGM date following a December 18 petition that stakeholders sent to him requesting such.

“In accordance with the letter dated 18 November 2022 sent by TTFA Members to the normalisation committee on 23 November 2022 and Article 29 (2) of the TTFA Constitution, this correspondence serves as formal notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to be held on Saturday 10 December 2022 at 10 a.m. (local time),’ Mohammed’s correspondence stated.

Eastern Football Association (EFA)president and TTFA delegate Kieron Edwards said the hope is that at the EGM a date will be confirmed for the election of a new TTFA executive. He accused the NC of doing things in the past without the membership’s input and stated the EGM has been called to make delegates part of the process. “It’s basically to set a date for the election. We need to have clear guideline from the normalisation committee when things will be done,” stated Edwards.

Chaired by local businessman Robert Hadad, football’s governing body FIFA instituted the NC to run football in T&T after dissolving the then TTFA executive, of which William Wallace was president. FIFA cited the multimillion-dollar TTFA debt and a treat of insolvency for its intervention.

The NC was given four mandates, including to run the TTFA’s day-to-day-affairs and formulate a debt-repayment solution, both of which it has accomplished. It was also tasked with making necessary amendments of the TTFA Constitution to fall in line with FIFA statutes and finally to call fresh TTFA elections.

After almost three years in charge, the normalisation committee’s term in office is due to end on March 17, 2023, after which they will hand over power to the newly-elected TTFA executive. Edwards believes the handover of power should be seamless.

“We are the members who would be voting,” Edwards explained. “We don’t want the election sprung upon us, and then there is a big scramble. I don’t think that is the best way for Trinidad and Tobago football to have that transition. The transition should be smooth.”

Another stakeholder, Veteran Footballers Foundation president Selby Browne feels that is not the right of either world governing body FIFA, its normalisation committee, or regional football body, CFU, to amend the constitution of the football association of T&T.

Browne suggests that if the TTFA constitution needs amending, it is the job of the TTFA to do so, and is neither the responsibility of FIFA nor its normalisation committee. “The membership of the TTFA feel that if any amendment of the TTFA Constitution must be done, then it must be done by those elected,” he said.

Browne noted that precedent had already been set in neighbouring Guyana, where after FIFA’s intervention and installation of a normalisation committee, it was the newly-elected executive which made constitutional amendments required by FIFA. “Let the people who are elected amend the constitution,” Browne insists. “You don’t want to amend a constitution and tell them work with that.”

Browne also expects that having completed its mandate, that all normalisation committee members, including its appointed acting general secretary (Mohammed) would step aside, and let football return to the control of the TTFA membership.

“I want to express thanks to the NC for the work done. I congratulate the trustees on a job well done,” stated Brown. “The normalisation committee must now complete the job by doing what is their final responsibility —set the date for the elections.”
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Tallman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 25250
    • View Profile
Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #659 on: December 11, 2022, 12:56:02 PM »
TTFA membership propose March 18 for election of new executive
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)


MARCH 18, 2023 is the date put forward by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) membership, to the FIFA-appointed normalisation committee, to host a fresh election and appoint a new executive.

The motion was brought forward, voted on and tallied, with 20 of the 26 members present voting in favour of the proposed date.

This was done at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at the Home of Football in Balmain, Couva on Saturday.

“Now it’s up to the normalisation committee to set things in motion to have the election,” said Eastern Football Association president Kieron Edwards.

The proposed election will return control of the TTFA to its membership after FIFA removed its executive (then headed by William Wallace) in March 2020 because of extremely low financial management methods and massive debt.

FIFA appointed a normalisation committee, led by chairman Robert Hadad, to run TTFA’s daily affairs, implementing a debt repayment plan, review and amend TTFA’s statutes to ensure compliance with FIFA, and to conduct an election of a new executive for a four-year mandate.

“The membership requested March 18 to be election day. The TTFA constitution, which was amended and approved by FIFA and Concacaf, gives the membership the power to do so,” Edwards added.

He said the normalisation committee has one last mandate to fulfil – to review the constitution and make any changes, if necessary, and bring it to the membership to approve.

Edwards believes there is more than enough for this to be done time before the proposed March election. He agreed, however, that there may be some minor adjustments made to the constitution by the sport’s global governing body.

“It’s enough time to do any simple amendment, if necessary," he said. “Because there may be one or two things that the previous executive, maybe, tried to hang their hat on, and FIFA just wanted to take a look at it again and maybe tighten up a few things, where, I think there are certain areas that could be tightened.

“But it shouldn’t take maybe a month or two to do such. So there’s time do that before the election and bring it to the membership. That’s the only outstanding matter at hand.”

Edwards said the membership is “fully on board” with the “new Gianni Infantino-led FIFA and we expect the right thing to be done, the constitution adhered to and we have (an) election in due course.”

He said that the membership wants to send a message to T&T and the wider world that FIFA would not steamroll any member, but follow the constitution, and people must be held accountable to due process and to the constitution of football.
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

 

1]; } ?>