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Author Topic: TTFA News Thread.  (Read 117176 times)

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Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #120 on: April 14, 2017, 02:08:12 AM »
Parliament poops; Morace misses out as Angel, Aimar and Infantino shine in FIFA fete match
By Amiel Mohammed (Wired868.com).


The Cabinet was reshuffled on Monday afternoon at the Ato Boldon Stadium but, as some commentators have been predicting all along, it made little difference.

And the presence of National Security Minister Edmund Dillon might have been enough to stop a highly anticipated head-to-head between the national women’s coach and the former national captain whom she gave her marching orders recently. But it was not enough to prevent the mutiny that took place in the tunnel mere moments before the start of the star-studded FIFA-sanctioned glamour match.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, TTFA President David John-Williams and a host of former football stars faced off against National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, Sports Minister Darryl Smith and Deputy Speaker of the House Esmond Forde and the result was an embarrassing 6-0 trouncing for the politicians and—with apologies to Basdeo Panday—pseudo-politicians.

In his first official visit to T&T since being appointed FIFA President last year, Infantino led the FIFA/TTFA outfit from the front. Apart from braving the scorching heat to march out at the head of the troops in their blue strips with white trim, it was he who scored the first of the handful of goals—and then one!—they put past the hapless parliamentarians.

The appearance of the teams on the field of play was preceded by the thunderous voice of President John-Williams making a protest that brought all and sundry to a halt.

His state of shock, it seems, was induced by the sight of National U-17 head coach Russell “Little Magician” Latapy outfitted in the red of the parliamentary opposition. If 37-year-old former Valencia CF and Argentina icon Pablo Aimar and 41-year-old former Aston Villa and NY Red Bulls marksman Juan Pablo Angel, the two FIFA big guns Infantino had brought with him had been real guns, well, you never know…

As it turned out, Williams was content to demand an investigation into the matter. Tyrone Marcus, the Sport Ministry’s sharp legal officer, leapt to his team’s defence, eloquently pointing out that Latapy’s transfer had been very much above board despite the transaction having taken place in the relative darkness of a tunnel. Tough luck, Mr President.

Wired868 could not confirm that Latapy was hoping to convince national coach Dennis Lawrence that he still has what it takes to suit up in red in June.

Dillon, a retired major general, is used to heavy artillery but his side had no answer to Aimar and Angel who, ably assisted by the 2006 Soca Warriors trio of Carlos Edwards, Stern John and Lawrence, dominated the game from start to finish.

Unfazed by their pre-match setback, the FIFA/TTFA “galácticos” stepped into the sunlight determined, organized and assured. A lip reader would have been able to determine whether the intense discussion between Aimar and Angel in the centre circle was an attempt to work out which would be allowed to score more goals than the other.

There was no such discussion among the members on the Government/SPORTT side. They looked a rag-tag bunch, red but not ready. They looked like a team in need of a few days’ rest. Confused, disorganized and unable to decide who was playing where before or even after the ref blew the whistle, they didn’t give the impression they could get it together enough even with the divine assistance on which they were clearly depending.

Once Aimar played the ball out to Edwards, the Rolls Royce of Trinbago football, the result was not in doubt. The 38-year-old Edwards occupied his customary right-back role with Angel on the left wing, Aimar deployed in his favoured number 10 position and T&T record goal-scorer, Stern, partnering President Infantino at the top of the attack.

It didn’t take too long for the men in blue to fire the first warning shot either. Angel burst down the left like a man 20 years younger and crossed to Aimar, who flicked a header on to the advancing Infantino.

Infantino’s reflexes, however, were not as sharp as his wit and the chance went begging. But you didn’t have to Leo Beenhakker or Pep Guardiola to see that it was only a matter of time before the “galácticos” would score.

Infantino did soon after, thanks to his illustrious imported pair. They combined down the left flank and, despite some wasteful finishing and good goalkeeping, Infantino saw his shot loop into the net.

Moments later, Edward delivered a peach of a cross, which Angel gently cushioned before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

The response on the Government/SPORTT bench was to begin warming up with militarized precision. It is debatable whether this was spontaneous or the result of a demand by Minister Dillon for the respect he had demanded in central Trinidad the week before.

Enter Latapy to show glimpses of the touches that had left Williams aghast when he suddenly switched sides. He cleverly chipped the ball into the path of another ageless wonder, Leonson Lewis.  The 50-year-old Lewis cut back onto his left and unleashed a cannon of a shot that seemed destined for the far corner.

In no mood to be upstaged by his elders, however, custodian Clayton Ince stretched out his long arm to parry the effort wide.

The disappointment might have knocked the stuffing out of Lewis, who was soon replaced by entertainment and Scorch hotshot, Kwesi “Hoppie” Hopkinson.

Minister Smith soon joined Lewis on the bench. Though Smith regularly reminds any willing listener about his football exploits in his college years, those times looked to have been light years ago on Monday as Aimar danced around him time and time again.

One suspects that the Minister’s physio had to put in more than a little overtime yesterday.

A huge cheer went up when, at the opposite end, president replaced president. Infantino was visibly pleased to depart for the welcome luxury of the shade on the bench, leaving the field to his host, John-Williams. To his credit, DJW was ready and able.

He pierced the Government/SPORTT defence with a calculated through-ball which Angel collected without breaking his stride. Dropping his shoulder and cutting around the hapless Darryl Stewart in goal, he bedazzled the custodian with some fancy footwork and tapped in for number three.

Radio personality Jason “JW” Williams had his fill of the fancy palancing. Getting off the bench, he stripped off his bib and marched towards the touchline, signalling a substitution. His teammates on the field, however, had other ideas; none was willing to trade places with him. Eyes blazing, he was forced to walk back to the bench.

“Watch him, watch him!” an amused spectator commented, “JW sour dere, ya know. No sweat for you.”

On the stroke of halftime, Stern stole possession in a dangerous area and set up Angel for him to complete one of the easiest hat-tricks of his career.

At the half came the Cabinet reshuffle—to no avail.  The introduction of SPORTT Executive Facilities Manager Anthony Blake and Trinidad and Tobago Super League General Secretary Camara David was expected to make a difference. But in the second half, FIFA/TTFA was jammin still!

Lawrence, promoted to midfield, remained unimpressed, preaching possession with purpose to put his side in complete control.

FIFA/TTFA, which featured TTFA General Secretary Justin Latapy-George, TTFA National Senior Team Manager Richard Piper, T&T National U20 coach Brian Williams, current National Senior Women’s captain Tasha St Louis, former referee Wayne Caesar and former National Senior Women’s head coach Marlon Charles, added two more goals late in the second half to add further gloss to their polished performance.

And they might have added another when David mowed down La Liga winner Aimar at the top of the box. The recent FIFA International Masters Alumni confessed to Wired868 with a cheeky grin how much he had treasured the moment when he cut the former international down to size.

With TT Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene, Sports and Games CEO Omar Hadeed, National Senior Men’s Hockey Team captain Darren Cowie, Minister Smith’s Advisor Garvin Warrick and former National Senior Women’s captain Maylee Attin-Johnson also in their ranks, the Government/SPORTT outfit might have felt they hadn’t lived up to expectations.

But judging from the comments as Wired868 eavesdropped our way out of the venue, the biggest disappointment seemed to be that National Senior Women’s head coach Carolina Morace had declined to lace up her boots for the FIFA/TTFA team.

Mighty Morace versus Maylee in the mood for mischief might have made for much, much more merriment.

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Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #121 on: May 10, 2017, 01:44:37 AM »
TTFA Grassroots Development Activities begin on Thursday
TTFA Media.


Grassroots Workshop and Festival gets going

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association will stage a grassroots workshop in conjunction with CONCACAF and UEFA at the Ato Boldon Stadium this Thursday and Friday to precede the start of its 2017 Grassroots Festival this coming weekend. The first Grassroots event will take place at Green Park, Felicity, Chaguanas from 9am on Saturday.

With the help of the TTFA’s Technical Department spearheaded by Technical Director Muhammad Isa, and assistance from CONCACAF and UEFA instructors, the Grassroots Football Festival Programme, aims to reach out to the players eleven (11) years old and under in the rural areas. This initiative is promoted by FIFA as one of the criteria for a country’s development.

Between May 13th to August 19th, the TTFA will stage festivals at different venues in the various Regional Associations (i. Eastern Football Association, ii. Northern Football Association, iii. Central Football Association, iv. Tobago Football Association v. Eastern Counties Football Union, and vi. Southern Football Association. )

The bigger the base, the stronger the structure. Grassroots are the base and foundation of any footballing nation. It is from here future players are born. The greatest footballers in the world all started at a young age. This initiative with help fuel such players by providing an opportunity for them to be seen by the TTFA and community while increasing the players’ and communities’ interest in football.

The Goals and Objectives of the Grassroots Festival include but are not limited to the following:

•Stimulate the participation of players under 11 year olds in rural communities.

•Capture baseline data on current level of participation (boys/girls) (as a percentage of under eleven (11) year olds in the community);

• Target a percentage  of new players (boys/girls) – players not currently routinely participating in structured football activity;

• Capture baseline data on the structured football activities routinely available in the community – school/academies/etc.

• Create a profile of each participant – name/age/contact details (parents)/preferred position etc.

• Capture data on the facilities in the community-fields/lighting/maintenance arrangements.

• Create positive awareness of the TTFA and its plans to develop football.

• Create Community Growth:

• Promote national players (male and female) past and present from the community (if any)

• Create a better future community through football by improving the principles and values for becoming a better person holistically.

• Educate the community about football scholarships thus helping reinforce the neglected need for education in some communities and More.

•Developing Grassroots coaches in the communities through the TTFA coaching workshops.

“What is Grassroots Football?”

The Grassroots Programme is the core foundation of our development mission, aimed at encouraging girls and boys around the Trinidad & Tobago to play football without restrictions. Grassroots focuses on the deployment of football through small-sided games, teaching basic football technique, emphasizing the value of exercise, and stressing the importance of fair play.

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Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #122 on: May 25, 2017, 02:36:17 PM »
TTFA Headquarters to be based at Ato Boldon Stadium from June 1st.
TTFA Media.


T&T Pro League, TT Super League and WoLF to also move to Couva facility

The Headquarters of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association will officially be relocated to the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva at month end with operations set to begin there on June 1st, 2017.

Following the announcement by the TTFA during the recent visit of FIFA President Gianni Infantino that the Ato Boldon Stadium will become the new home of the TTFA, the relocation is the first part of the process which will lead to the establishment of a National Training Centre.

The TTFA, which has been based at the Hasely Crawford Stadium for the past four years, will also welcome the T&T Pro League, the TT Super League (TTSL) and Women’s League Football (WOLF) to the facility with the three organisations being provided with operational space by the FA.

The TTFA believes the new location will help streamline its operations, while facilitating engagement with key stakeholders; including other FIFA Member associations,Regional and local Member associations, Government, Partners, Players,Officials and Fans.

The TTFA wishes to thank the Ministry of Sports and the Sportt Company for its support in this  significant development.

“We are thankful to the Ministry of Sport and Sportt Company for fulfilling their promise to support football by providing us with the facility. I think it is a tremendous accomplishment to have the key stakeholders in local football under one roof. It augers well for the development of the game here in trinidad and Tobago and it is an indication of the administration’s drive and ambitions to take the game to greater heights and with the inclusion of the stakeholders,” TTFA President David John-Williams told TTFA Media.

Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene indicated that the new move would be a boost to the overall development of football in T&T.

“I would like to thank the TTFA and its President for opening their arms to the League and for his vision in bringing the major stakeholders in local football together under one roof. I think this will go a long way in improving the local game,” Skeene said.

In a reaction to the provision to the Super League, its Interim President Keith Look Loy stated, “The TT Super League is pleased to have finally received recognition from the TTFA. TTSL now has a permanent home from which to operate and to develop the League, and we thank the TTFA for having facilitated this.”

Wolf President Sharon O’Brien expressed similar feelings, saying “The fact that Wolf can now have an office from which we can conduct our business is a definite boost for the league and for local women’s football. This will help us tremendously in carrying out our day to day operations  and will be a positive step towards growing and developing the league, particularly from an administrative standpoint.”

Further information on updates in operational systems and policies will be provided in due course.

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

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #123 on: May 27, 2017, 03:33:37 PM »
TTFA welcomes SSFL and Referees Association to home of football.
TTFA Media.


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association will be welcoming the Secondary Schools Football League and the the Trinidad and Tobago Referees Associations at the Home of Football when it begins its operations from the Ato Boldon Stadium in June, 2017.

On Thursday it was announced that the TTFA’s headquarters will be based at the Couva facility, also housing the T&T Pro League, Women’s Football League and the TT Super League and today TTFA President David John Williams was pleased to reveal that the Secondary Schools Football League and the Referees Association will also be accommodated at the venue.

This is an indication of the FA’s commitment to innovation and advancement towards everything football through a collective efforts of the major stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago football.

TTFA President David John-Williams added: “The various organisations and key stakeholders in local football coming together at the home of football,and now with the inclusion of the Secondary Schools Football League and the Referees Association, represents another significant step forward for the FA.

“This is all part of our ongoing attempt towards  ensuring that the home for football offers the very best opportunities as broad and diverse with an array of football related resources possible at one location which we hope will make it ever more convenient for all involved in their efforts towards taking football forward,” John-Williams added.

Related Article

TTFA Headquarters to be based at Ato Boldon Stadium

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

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #124 on: June 04, 2017, 07:22:32 AM »
TTFA pumps $800,000 into Pro League and Super League.
TTFA Media.


At a time when sponsorship and Government funding is scarce, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association has stepped in to stabilize its major and second tier leagues.

”We are giving US $100,000 to the Pro League and US$25, 000 to the TT Super League in an effort to bolster their administrative efforts,: stated TTFA President David John Williams on Saturday.

“The TT Pro League has been the biggest provider of talent to the senior national teams
over the last 15 years. The employment opportunities provided in the Pro League is football’s contribution to the economy of the country” Williams continued.

“And the Super League has provided opportunities for players who cannot be full time and still want to play at a decent level.”

The TTFA President who is a product of the local professional league revealed that the injection into the both Leagues comes out of a special projects FIFA grant accessed by the Association for such purposes.

The funding which had the total approval of the TTFA’s Board comes on the heels of an effort by its President to get the various arms of football under one roof.

”Now that our football has a home,we must now look at the economic and administrative stability of our stakeholders,” John-Williams said.

“World football generates huge incomes but in the past the stakeholders in local football never benefited as they ought to have. So the country has stadia but never a “home for football” before our administration came into office. We are indeed thankful to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for its support in this regard. Both the Ministry of Sport and The Sport Company have really stepped up to ensure that football progress in a meaningful way.”

“For us to progress,every arm of football must become professional in their operations and we at the TTFA are committed to driving this process,” John-Williams concluded.

The TTFA Headquarters moved to the Ato Boldon Stadium on June 1st with the TT Pro League, TT Super League, Secondary Schools Football League and the Women’s League Football all currently operating from the same venue.

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

Offline maxg

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #125 on: June 04, 2017, 01:12:48 PM »
What, no theories ? btw, how all this getting done ?

Offline Sam

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #126 on: June 06, 2017, 02:56:38 PM »
Good going by de TTFA, look how Skeene and DJW buss up over de voting for T&T coach and now de TTFA donating money, allyuh smell a conspiracy?

Lets see what Skeene go do now.

Money plus a home at de Ato Stadium.

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Stronger than a shot of ba-bash
Capable of storming any fete


Offline palos

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #127 on: June 06, 2017, 05:35:16 PM »
What, no theories ? btw, how all this getting done ?

FIFA grants.....to which the previous TTFA administration did not have access (was not given access to)

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #128 on: June 07, 2017, 01:46:20 AM »
Shaka said the players were not paid since Panama but ttfa has money to donate 😂

So the dictator plan is to make the players disgruntled because of bad treatment to further debilitate our chances ... some mastestrokes on his part

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #129 on: June 20, 2017, 08:49:01 AM »
Has the TTFA taken any action regarding the officiating that occurred in the Hex? Everyone else protests formally. What path has the TTFA pursued?

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #130 on: July 04, 2017, 02:26:51 AM »
TTFA Grassroots Festival goes to Westmoorings and Moruga.
TTFA Media.


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s Grassroots Festival moved into the Northern Football Association on Saturday with a two-hour clinic at St Anthony’s College Grounds in Westmoorings.

The clinic was conducted by the TTFA zonal coaches and overseen by TTFA Technical director Muhammad Isa.

Paul Decle, one of the coaches who participated in the TTFA Grassroots coaching course conducted by Anton Corneal recently, was present and involved in Saturday’s session. Decle is also the founder of Pro Series Events.

“I was really impressed with the level of participation and players coming from all over Trinidad to be part of the Grassroots festival,” Decle told TTFA Media.

“Despite the hot weather, the children had great fun, learning news skills and getting a chance to play matches. It was a great event with an excellent group of coaches and a pleasure to be a part of,” he added.

At Saturday’s session, the participants included youngsters came from the Glencoe Football Academy and Petit Valley United. Cocorite Government Primary, Dunross Primary and other areas such as La Puerta, Sagangar Trace, Cocorite, Diego Martin and Carenage.

Visiting coach Jamie Harris, who is the Under 11 coach at English club AFC Bournemouth, was also in attendance as an observer at Saturday’s session

This Saturday, the Festival rolls into Moruga with another session starting from 9am at the Grand Chemin Ground.

So far the year the TTFA Grassroots Festival has also been staged in La Brea, Chaguanas, Blanchisseuse and Palo Seco.

The clinics cater for boys and girls between ages 6-11. The kids are taught the basics of the game with an emphasis on player participation and enjoyment as coaches, who have all been trained by the TTFA coaching instructors and been part of the recent TTFA/CONCACAF Grassroots coaching course, are utilised to guide the youngsters during the sessions.

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Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #131 on: July 05, 2017, 04:42:23 AM »
TTFA ordered to pay ex-FIFA ref $500k; DJW-led body accused of trying to mislead High Court.
By R.Walcott (Wired868).


The David John-Williams-led Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has been accused of trying to mislead the High Court after allegedly submitting inaccurate information in a sworn affidavit.

In a court matter which involves former FIFA referee and ex-head of the local refereeing department, Ramesh Ramdhan, the TTFA—through their attorneys Anand R Misir and Dayadai Harripaul—claimed that they paid a yearly lease upwards of TT$900,000 for the use of the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

The TTFA, whom were ordered by the High Court to pay TT$540,000 in outstanding fees to Ramdhan, made a request on 28 April 2017 to pay the former referee in monthly instalments, due to expenses which they incurred at that time. And in their statement which revealed their yearly income and expenses, the TTFA divulged the following:

“The application applies to the court for an order to pay the amount due by an initial sum of $30,000.00 and installments of $22,500.00 per month and provides the following information… [The] Trinidad and Tobago Football Association pays a lease of $944,021 per year for the use of the premises at the Hasely [sic] Crawford Stadium.”

Ramdhan, who said he was only paid for four months while he worked under the local football body from 2012-2015, said that the TTFA’s revelation immediately raised his eyebrows because he was not aware of any rental costs for the use of the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

“[The TTFA] ended up conceding that they owed me this money,” Ramdhan told Wired868. “But in the document that they sent to the High Court, they claimed they are paying—in the income and expenses statement—$940,000 in accommodation at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. We wanted audited statements for 2016 and they did not provide that so the lawyers agreed for [them to provide] a balance sheet and a financial statement of some sort.

“And that is the basis of my objection to their offer. We have a court hearing on the 26th of July to ventilate that… [TTFA president David John-Williams] has lied to the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago because that is a sworn affidavit. And that will be a different story.”

Ramdhan unsuccessfully contested the TTFA’s 2015 election and tendered his resignation shortly after John-Williams ascended to the helm. Ramdhan claimed he still had six months left on his contract and lamented that the TTFA president shut down every attempt he made to discuss the debts owed to him. And the man who became the first Caribbean referee to officiate at the World Cup, felt he was left with no other option than to take the local football body to court.

Ramdhan is not the only person who is currently questioning the TTFA’s financial statements, as Veterans Football Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFOTT) president Selby Browne unsuccessfully tried to source certain pertinent documents from the administration recently.

“Every member of the TTFA has a responsibility to review the books at anytime,” Browne told Wired868.

On 26 July, the TTFA will try to prove to the High Court and Ramdhan that their $900,000-plus yearly lease to use the Hasely Crawford Stadium is in fact legitimate. Ramdhan has included a clause in his affidavit seeking the money owed to him with damages if the TTFA’s statement about rental costs at the Hasely Crawford Stadium turns out to be false.

The consequences for the TTFA and John-Williams will be much more dire if the High Court finds contents of their 28 April affidavit to be erroneous.

Wired868 was informed that the judge in the matter has now recused himself from the case although it is unclear why he took such action.

Also in their affidavit on 28 April, the TTFA listed their annual income as TT$9,914,762 while their total expenses exceeded 64 million TT dollars.

Wired868 asked both John-Williams and TTFA General Secretary Justin Latapy-George if the TTFA paid any yearly lease for the use of the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Latapy-George, who was appointed in November last year, said he could not confirm if there was a contractual arrangement in place between the TTFA and the government regarding the use of the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Meanwhile, John-Williams urged Wired868 to take up its questions with the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) and did not provide an answer himself.

One SporTT official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated that the TTFA was paying no lease for the use of the Hasely Crawford Stadium and suggested that the local football body should be able to produce an invoice if they were in fact being charged to meet the requirements of a yearly lease.

“The Sport Company [of Trinidad and Tobago] gives housing to various sporting bodies and the arrangement is the same,” the official said.

Meanwhile, John-Williams’ predecessor, Raymond Tim Kee, said the TTFA vacated their previous office at Anna St, Woodbrook due to “unmanageable rental costs” of approximately $40,000 per month.

Why then would the TTFA pay SporTT close to TT$80,000 to rent a similar office at the Hasely Crawford Stadium?

Tim Kee asserted that, according to the football body’s arrangement with SporTT, the TTFA  was only responsible for paying their internet bill at the venue.

Browne, who also made an unsuccessful bid to become TTFA president in 2015, following up on  the revelations of the Ramdhan court matter by requesting access of financial data from the football body.

On 22 June, Browne asked the TTFA to provide:

1. Minutes of TTFA Board of Directors at which the decision was taken to call and [sic] EGM on 5 July at 5.30pm.

2. Minutes of all Meetings of the TTFA Board of Directors held after the last TTFA AGM.

3. The TTFA Financial Records for the period January 2016 to date.

4. The TTFA Income Sources, sponsorship, grants, donations, loans and general revenue proceeds for the period January 2016 to date.

5. The TTFA list of debtors with outstanding amounts at 15 June 2017.

6. The TTFA List of employees, consultants, contractors and attorneys for the period January 2016 to date and their remuneration packages.

7. The TTFA correspondence files with FIFA, CONCACAF and CFU for the period January 2016 to date.

Browne gave the TTFA a deadline of 28 June. However, the VFFOTT president claimed that he has  received no response to his requests from the incumbent administration.

Latapy-George told Wired868 that he did receive Browne’s email and noted the requests. However, the TTFA’s General Secretary stated “that matter is currently before the general membership so it would be misplaced of me to comment at this time.”

Browne has not been dissuaded though, and the VFFOTT president advised the TTFA that his body will be present at the upcoming EGM.

“VFFOTT shall be represented at the EGM on 5 July at 5.30pm to seek answers, evidence and specific documentation for questions with respect to the conduct of the administration of the TTFA, to include fiduciary affairs,” stated Browne.  “I got in my mailbox the outstanding arrears prior to the new executive. Clearly, a lot of money has either been paid, or a lot of the persons have been satisfied.

“So [the VFFOTT] will want to know: Is there anything outstanding? Are fellahs owed? I know several coaches who are out of pocket…”

Browne, who suggested that the local football body was going down “an all-too-familiar path”, questioned whether or not John-Williams used TTFA money to help his unsuccessful Caribbean Football Union (CFU) presidential campaign last year.

“I was there when [former FIFA President Sepp] Blatter was being paraded, just like Infantino is now being paraded through the Caribbean,” said Browne. “Up to today [Infantino] hasn’t addressed my issue of the TV rights, so as far as I’m concerned nothing has changed at FIFA.

“Nearly all the football associations in the Caribbean have their cap in hand behind a great, white Lord who can give them a couple pennies. And they couldn’t care less if it was stolen.

“Clearly, it’s an undermining and an attempt to destroy the Caribbean Football Union by hanging a couple dollars in front of the gullible ones […] for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, we wish them well.”

With four CONCACAF World Cup qualifying games to go, the Soca Warriors are positioned at the bottom of ‘Hex’ with just three points. But Browne feels the next two fixtures against Panama and Honduras may decide the administration’s fate as well.

“At the end of the first week of September, a decision must be made about the administration of football in Trinidad and Tobago; it’s very simple in mind,” said Browne. “It is about putting Trinidad and Tobago football on the right footing, something that should have been done [before].

“We should not have had the debacle that was Jack Warner; and clearly it looks like we are heading that way again with this sort of modus operandi.”

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Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #132 on: July 10, 2017, 05:02:02 AM »
Is TTFA getting better or worse? CFA triumph, Look Loy’s delayed ascendancy and multiple financial queries.
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).


“[Wednesday] night was a massive defeat for the TTFA executive, which has provoked controversy for the last six months with its stance against the Central Football Association and the TTSL,” TTSL interim president Keith Look Loy told Wired868. “My take is it was a great victory for grassroots democracy in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Look Loy was in a bullish mode as the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s EGMs ended with good news for the Trinidad and Tobago Super League (TTSL) and Central Football Association (CFA) on Wednesday night at the National Cycling Velodrome in Balmain, Couva.

Whether the EGM represented a zero-sum game is open to debate though.

“I enjoy seeing people I know from around football—whether they are representing clubs or regional associations—having a chance to come and participate in decisions,” said one TTFA board member, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “I never saw that before. In the days of Jack Warner as special advisor that meeting would have been done in five minutes!”

Instead, yesterday’s EGMs—one tabled by the CFA and the other by the TTFA’s Board of Directors—lasted for more than four hours and the latter motion had to be adjourned.

When current TTFA president David John-Williams began his term in late 2015, the meetings quickly became poorly attended and generally meek affairs.

On Wednesday, 35 from 47 potential delegates turned out and John-Williams certainly did not have it all his own way.

“The meeting was a democratically successful meeting,” said former Trinidad and Tobago Referees Association head Osmond Downer—a man not known to be easily satisfied.

The first matter of business was the Board’s agenda, which included issues of: the compliance of members; appointments to the Judicial Bodies and Audit and Compliance Committee; and the acceptance of 2016 audit report.

The 18-month grace period allowed for members to become compliant with the new constitution expired on 12 January 2017. It meant, strictly speaking, several members of the football body could have been legal struck off. Instead, the membership decided to grant a further amnesty until 30 September 2017—by which time they must present the TTFA general secretariat with, among other things, “a copy of its audited financial statements for the previous financial year.”

The TTSL clubs, in particular, are believed to be trailing in this regard.

As John-Williams reeled off the list of proposed members for the Judicial and Audit and Compliance bodies, there was the first hint of dissent. Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFTT) president Selby Browne objected to the process of appointments.

“This is no way for this council to confirm any members to any board,” said Browne. “What I would have expected is a list circulated to all the delegates, giving names of all persons recommended and one paragraph on who they were, prior to any decision.”

Article 36 (d) of the constitution says the Board of Directions “shall propose the members of the judicial bodies and the Audit and Compliance Committee to the General Meeting.”

And Article 23 gives the general membership the authority to elect or dismiss members of any standing committee “upon the proposal of the Board of Directors.”

Did the wording of the constitution suggest that the general membership was just a rubber stamp for this particular matter?

Browne resisted that notion and had support from the floor. So the BoD relented and agreed to present the proposed members as suggested at a later date.

It was probably wise since one right that the general membership certainly does have is the right to vote for the removal of any Board member including the TTFA president.

The Board’s attempt to have its financial audit approved similarly hit a wall.

“The financial statements and auditor’s report were read out by an auditor,” said Downer. “There were no print outs available. One man read that this book was examined, etc but nothing was in front of members to look at. So it was decided that [the TTFA’s Audit Report] could not be considered.”

Once more, Browne led the challenge on the floor.

“We are quite grateful and thankful that you read it but this cannot be considered at this time,” said Browne, “because we have no Audit Report before us to accept. The board should have circulated report and that is what must be done.”

According to Article 27.3 of the constitution, the BoD was obliged to make all relevant financial documents available to members “at least 14 days before the date of the Annual General Meeting.”

There was no stipulation regarding financial documents for an EGM. But, once financial matters were up for discussion, surely the spirit of the constitution would suggest that the same protocol would follow.

Again, the Board bent to the will of its membership on the issue.

Next up was the EGM requested by the CFA, which asked for:

Removal and replacement of CFA representative on the Board of the TTFA as requested by the CFA;

Change status of the Super League Clubs with the establishment of the TTSL;

The application of the TTSL for full membership of the TTFA or for the enjoyment of equivalent status as the TT Pro League as a recognised body to organise its own games and competitions;

Changes in the TTFA constitution consequent upon changes made in (3) above: (Article 10.1b and 22.1b) Change from National Super League Clubs to Trinidad and Tobago Super League Clubs; (Article 33) To include one member representing the Trinidad and Tobago Super League [on the TTFA board]; To change the board of directors [from] 13 to 14 members; Elections of the TTSL representative to the board of directors of the TTFA.

On paper, they seemed straightforward requests. But the CFA and TTSL wish-list had been frustrated for roughly six months in the latter body’s case and over a year for the former.

Remarkably, the BoD repeatedly resisted the CFA’s request to change its representative to the board, Samuel Saunders. Wednesday was D-Day.

Saunders, an attorney, initially refused to recuse himself from the meeting to decide his own fate and insisted he be allowed to address the general membership on the matter.

The members—again led by Browne—insisted Saunders leave immediately and without a word.

Eventually, John-Williams asked Saunders to listen to the people and recuse himself and the membership supported CFA who were allowed to immediately replace him with James Toussaint.

“I still don’t understand why Mr Saunders put himself through all that humiliation,” said CFA general secretary Clynt Taylor. “He attempted to make a pitch for him but when members found out he was there, they were very upset and asked him to recuse himself. He kept saying he want to talk and members kept insisting he had to go and were shouting back ‘we don’t want to hear you’.

“In the end, I felt bad for him.”

Downer suggested that the John-Williams-led Board had misinterpreted the rulebook in what should have been a simple matter.

“I asked the question: Did the CFA change its representative to the board of the TTFA according to its constitution?” said Downer. “You see quite a few people were confusing the issue because [they were applying] the TTFA’s constitution. It is a very complicated thing for the TTFA to change a board member. But according to the CFA constitution, that decision can be made by a simple majority of its board and ratified by the general meeting…”

Once more, the membership spoke; and Saunders was out.

The TTSL’s proposals were swept through in similar fashion. All but one.

Once the fledgling body was formally recognised in the constitution and assured of a seat on the TTFA Board, the TTSL’s representatives recommended Look Loy—who was not on the island and absent from the meeting—be immediately installed as the local football body’s 14th Board member.

John-Williams objected on the grounds that Look Loy was recommended by an interim board, which ought to now give way to a formal body before it could make such a decisions. And, on this occasion, the TTFA president was successful.

“Now that they are duly consisted, they can call general meeting and elect officers and members to the board,” said Downer, who described John-Williams’ point as valid. “So the meeting decided unanimously that the admission of their representative be postponed to the next extraordinary general meeting.”

Within 24 hours, Look Loy revealed that the TTSL had already set a date for their formal elections.

“We are in the process right now of calling an election for the ninth of August,” Look Loy told Wired868. “The interim board had asked for me to represent the TTSL but John-Williams argued that an interim board cannot take such a decision. So we said fine, we are going to have an election… We are in the process of alerting people right now.”

Look Loy described the EGM as a victory for the “grassroots” against the power-brokers.

“They argued against Saunders being removed [and] John-Williams lost the fight,” he said. “And they argued against the TTSL being given representation on the Board and the members pushed them back and won the day. It was a great day for football democracy and common sense prevailed.”

Taylor offered a more downbeat verdict.

“It was a relief for the CFA that we can hopefully get someone who is willing to work with us [on the TTFA Board] but I find the whole process very sad,” said the CFA general secretary. “It was really anticlimactic. We could have put a lot of this effort into progressing football as opposed to moving one individual.

“The amount of animosity and effort spent fighting this was really sad.”

By all indications, the general membership is just getting started though. Before the end of the EGM, Browne presented a list of 42 questions on an array of issues to TTFA general secretary Justin Latapy-George and all the members present.

Among Browne’s queries were: Identify the accounts that have received monies from FIFA, UEFA, CONCACAF and CFU from December 2015 to date; list the signatories to the active accounts; list the source of funding, names and amounts for the TTFA Women’s Football Programme; explain the rationale behind the meeting the TTFA hosted at the Marriott, Port of Spain, in 2016 for CFU member association executives; and explain the TTFA’s claim of a rental or leasing fee for the Hasely Crawford Stadium in a statement to the courts of Trinidad and Tobago.

The last question related to an affidavit submitted in the local High Court on 2 May 2017 by attorney Dayadai Harripaul on behalf of the TTFA, which claimed that the football body had paid TT$944,021 in rent.

In truth, the football body moved to the Hasely Crawford Stadium under John-Williams’ predecessor, Raymond Tim Kee, for rent free lodging.

One TTFA insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the John-Williams-led body is now allegedly claiming that Harripaul’s affidavit was filed without the written  consent of any Board member.

It is a remarkable assertion that should make for an interesting exchange when the issue returns to the High Court on 26 July 2017.

Browne gave the TTFA one week to respond in writing on that issue and a few dozen more to boot. Neither John-Williams, Latapy-George or the Board have committed to that proposed timeline or even to provide the information in the first place.

John-Williams, according to one member, allegedly questioned whether Browne had the authority to make such demands of the Board. However, according to Article 12.1 (d), the TTFA’s members have the right “to be informed of the affairs of TTFA through the official bodies of TTFA.”

“The meetings demonstrated a need for all members of the TTFA—including the members of the Board of Directors and officers—to properly familiarise themselves with the TTFA constitution,” said Browne. “In so doing, meetings will be far more productive and of the desired quality of an AGM or EGM…

“We demand answers to those questions [sent to Latapy-George] which will give a full picture of the administration of football and the TTFA from December 2015 to date.”

By all accounts, the TTFA’s meetings are getting livelier by the minute.

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

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #133 on: July 12, 2017, 01:37:42 AM »
TTFA presents Legacy of Soca Warriors Books to SSFL Schools.
TTFA Media.


In a gesture geared towards placing the history of Trinidad and Tobago football at the disposal of the nation’s youth, the local governing body (TTFA) today presented authentic copies of the Legacy of the Soca Warriors publication to some one hundred schools in the country.

The intention is for the books to be placed in the libraries of each of the secondary schools which are affiliated to the Secondary Schools Football League. The presentation took place at Naparima College, San Fernando on Tuesday.

“This is part of the FA’s overall drive to get the education of football in schools We feel it is very critical that the students understand the history of football in our country,” TTFA General Secretary Justin Latapy George told the gathering on Tuesday.

“We feel it is important that we start here and because of that the FA has decided to follow through with the distribution to the schools. It is very important that we understand what we are currently, where we want to be and we believe this is just a small part in stepping into that direction along with other things that the FA has rolled out under the current administration led by our President David John Williams,” Latapy-George added.

“Part of what we do with our past and what we intend to do moving forward really resides with the students , the Secondary Schools League and other stakeholders,” he added.

SSFL President William Wallace echoed similar sentiments.

“It is said that if you don’t know your history then you do not know anything. I think this snitbit of our history is very important in terms of our footballers knowing where we came from and where we are heading. We are grateful for the gesture from the TTFA and we will be placing these books into the libraries and looking forward to it being part of what is offered at the secondary schools,” Wallace said.

The Legacy of the Soca Warriors, written by Valentino Singh, takes the reader through one of T&T most historical journeys with enough for both the technical football fan, or the person who just supported with national pride.

With photographs that put the reader on the pitch, the publication also doubles as a picture book with many of the images being different from those popularly published in the media.

The passion in the writing is as real as it was during Germany 2006 and you can almost hear Maximus Dan’s (MX Prime) Fighter, which became the side’s anthem, jumping off the page.

As well as documenting Germany 2006, the book takes the reader back into the history of Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup campaigns (beginning in 1964) and most notably the agonising near misses of 1973 and 1989.

No facet of the Warriors experience is left untouched. There is an assessment of each group opponent, a look at how the German hosts took the team to their hearts, the resolute performances, Shaka Hislop’s heroics, the last hurrah of Russell Latapy’s dancing feet and Dwight Yorke’s consummate skills and how football united a nation.

Chapter 4, Reflections, a very short chapter, described T&T’s previous missed chances to make the World Cup—against Haiti in 1973 and in more recent memory, the deflating loss against the US in 1990 here at home. It goes into the psychology of our entry into the Fifa fray—and giving an idea of the national mindset during both ‘73 and ‘90.

This glossy tome is definitely a collectors item.


SSFL President William Wallace presents a copy of the Legacy of the Soca Warriors to St Benedict’s College head coach and former national player Leonson Lewis.

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Offline ANC2

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #134 on: July 20, 2017, 07:23:53 AM »
Heard through some football people in Central that some players and some staff still never got paid for the games vs Nicaragua over Christmas  ::)



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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #135 on: July 28, 2017, 12:38:33 AM »
TTFA give up on W/Cup campaign- Eve.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).


The T&T Football Association has given up on the country’s chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in Russia next year, Angus Eve, a former national midfielder and coach has said.

He believes the decision by the embattled football association to move the country’s next World Cup qualifying match against Honduras from a 25, 000-seater Hasely Crawford Stadium to the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva where the seating capacity is just 10, 000, is a clear indication of this.

The TTFA, being led by David John-Williams, communicated this change to the media via a press release earlier this month but it did not give any reasons for their decision. Yesterday Vice President of the TTFA Ewing Davis said he could not say why the TTFA changed the venue for the September 1 encounter with the Hondurans, but believes it will reduce expenses and provide an atmosphere of true support for the players.

“At the Hasely Crawford Stadium we incur debts of over $120, 000 each for the services of both the police and the fire services, which would be much less at the Ato Boldon. There are also additional expenses we have to deal with which I believe will be cheaper at the Couva venue” Davis said.

Davis who has for many years, held the position of president of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), also believes the environment in Couva would be more conducive to the support the players need. “At the Ato Boldon the players are closer to the crowd and would be impacted by the support of the crowd more than in Mucurapo” he added.

The Soca Warriors are in need of maximum points against the Hondurans, having found themselves in a pit at the bottom of the standings with three points from six matches in the qualifiers.

Eve, disappointed by the subliminal message he believes has been sent out to the public at large, wants the public to know that the country still has a mathematical chance of qualifying for the world cup. “If we can get at least four points from our next two games (Honduras and Panama), then both Mexico and the USA would have already qualified for the World Cup, which would put us in a better position to win our remaining matches against them, as they will not produce their full-strength teams against us. This has happened in the past and I see no reason why it will not be done again” Eve explained.

Technical Directior Mohammad Isa said the change in venue is aimed at gaining an advantage on their opponent. “We feel that because we need to win the match, a new venue will provide a difference to the Hondurans who may not know about the Ato Boldon Stadium, as they are accustomed playing at the Hasely Crawford. It will also provide the team with more support” Isa explained. It will be the first time that the Ato Boldon Stadium is being used in a World Cup qualifier.

President John-Williams could not be reached yesterday as he is out of the country on official football business.

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

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #136 on: August 16, 2017, 08:55:19 PM »
TTFA Starts Phase One of National Training and Technical Development Centre.
TTFA Media.


Junior Sammy donates to initial phase of work

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Associated today kickstarted the construction of the first phase of its National Training and Technical Development Centre at the Home of Football, Ato Boldon Stadium.

Courtesy of a partnership with Junior Sammy Contractors Limited, the initial ground work commenced at 6:30am today. The first phase will consist of the installation of Two Natural Grass Training Pitches equipped with flood lights to be followed by the construction of Player Accommodation Hotel.

“Today is really the start of the project with the commencement of phase one. We are thankful to Junior Sammy for donating some tractors to the association to get the work started. We started work this morning on two of the training fields in terms of getting it down to final grade before starting the actual specialist work of planting the grass and laying the surfaces,” TTFA President David John-Williams told TTFA Media on Wednesday.

“It is really exciting times with the start of phase one. The objective of the TTFA is to get these fields ready by the end of November, 2017, all flood lit and available to facilitate the development of Trinidad and Tobago football, particularly all our national teams from under 13s to senior team which will now be able to try anytime during day or night,” the TTFA President added.

Junior Sammy also spoke of his support to the development Centre, saying “I have known David for several years and I was most happy and willing to offer assistance to this project after he explained what it was all about. I think it’s an important development for football and I am all too happy to be able to support it.”

Last month, the TTFA proudly announced that Cabinet approved lands in the vicinity of the Ato Boldon Stadium for lease to the TTFA for the Home of Football.

Along with the two training pitches and player accommodation hotel, the first phase will also comprise a beach soccer pitch. The second phase will include four additional pitches comprising of both artificial and natural grass surfaces and a futsal court.

Additionally, the TTFA has received approval from FIFA to restart the Income Generation Project which was stalled under the previous administration. This project will now be of a different nature as proposed by the new TTFA administration and approved by FIFA and will take the form of an Entertainment and Sports Bar and Restaurant project at the Home of Football.

TTFA Starts Phase One of Training/Technical Development Centre

WATCH TTFA Starts Phase One of Training/Technical Development Centre

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/z4aAir5mWQU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/z4aAir5mWQU</a>
« Last Edit: August 17, 2017, 01:34:05 AM by Flex »

Offline Sando

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #137 on: August 18, 2017, 03:38:45 AM »
Good going by the TTFA, I hope they build the fields right, drainage is a big issue.

Would love to know about about the Player Accommodation Hotel (how much rooms and so on) and other stuff they will have on the facility.


Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #138 on: September 07, 2017, 01:51:17 AM »
Shame on you, T&TFA.
By Colin Murray (Guardian).


Sheer, downright madness. Quite possibly the only way to describe what really took place last Friday night at the Ato Boldon Stadium. This World Cup qualifier, yes a World Cup qualifier, is right up there with the worst organised sporting event in the sporting annals of T&T.

This trial or experiment (I am not sure what it was) was doomed to fail before a ball was kicked. I queried why a game of this magnitude, a do or die game for the Soca Warriors, was being played at the Couva venue.

The (T&T Football Association) indicated they wanted to create an atmosphere at a smaller venue with the pitch closer to the players and they also wanted the stands to be at full capacity as they could not fill the Hasely Crawford Stadium and they felt this would have created the right atmosphere.

Really? Calypsonian Doppy sang a calypso many years ago called ‘Garbage’. These statements from the T&TFA would have fitted in nicely with the lyrics of Doppy’s song.

The national team played in front of roughly 12,000 - 14,000 fans in the previous World Cup qualifiers versus Panama and Mexico and the atmosphere was enthralling. Perhaps none of the T&TFA executives attended those games so whose crazy idea was it to get these patrons in the 10,000 capacity Ato Boldon Stadium? They even went quite ludicrously and paid, as far as I understand, $10,000 to erect temporary stands for a further 2,000 spectators. I counted roughly 54 persons in these temporary stands.

It took patrons coming from the capital 2.5 hours to get to the venue; some turned back in sheer frustration and when the game finally kicked off at 8 pm, the Honduras team must have felt at home as there was more people outside trying to get in, than those inside the venue supporting the Warriors.

So it was no surprise that our opponents scored two goals in the first 20 minutes. Persons who had season tickets bought their tickets with the understanding that the games were to be played at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and some refused to go to Couva and wanted to know what to do. I wonder if the T&TFA is going to compensate those ticket holders?

Further, a lighting tower went out of operation before a ball was kicked, rumours of players not being paid, the grass not being cut to a specified length making it unnecessarily difficult for the players - need I say more?

It’s just one blunder after another and we go along like its business as usual. The T&TFA cost us qualification for the Gold Cup, now they have sunk us for Russia 2018 but I am sure a few of the hierarchy from the T&TFA are going to show their faces in Russia in some VIP box sipping fine beverages while the football fans in this country ponder what could have been.

It is easy to blame the players because they should have done this or they should have done that, however if you don’t have the right environment for the players how do you expect positive results? The next scapegoat is the coach; blame the coach he should not have picked this player, or he should have started with someone else. And the problem continues…let’s not play smart with foolishness.

The dream has ended as another defeat to Panama has left us six points adrift of USA and Honduras, and seven points behind Panama. It is a crying shame that we are not right there in the mix for an automatic spot for Russia 2018. Our last game is against USA and we owe it to Honduras and to Panama to field our strongest team and ensure that if the USA has to qualify, they must truly beat us with our strongest 11 on the field.

In the meantime who is going to stand up and apologise to the nation for the fiasco at the Ato Boldon Stadium? More than that, who is going to say that we didn’t give our team enough of a chance to get to Russia?

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Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #139 on: September 17, 2017, 03:48:43 AM »
How to spot a poorly run sporting body: CIES’ Cornu calls out CFU, TTFA points fingers at self.
By Scotty Ranking (wired868).


If FIFA and the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) were practising good governance, including fair and transparent electoral processes, would Mohammed bin Hammam realistically have expected to get away with trying to bribe 25 CFU officials for their votes during his bid for the FIFA presidency in 2012?

That rhetorical question was asked by Pierre Cornu, current chairman of the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES), based in Switzerland, on Saturday at the Teaching and Learning Centre in St Augustine.

The occasion was an open lecture by Cornu—perhaps one of the foremost experts in ethical practices and deontology (the study of duty and obligation)—put on by The University of the West Indies (St Augustine) in collaboration with FIFA and the CIES as part of the Sport Faculty’s ongoing Executive Programme in Sports Management.

Cornu noted that FIFA banned bin Hammam for life from all football activity and that as many as 19 CFU officials received varying levels of sanction for their participation in the affair. And he added that, in his opinion, love of power—which people are more than reluctant to relinquish—was behind the many scandals that have hit sporting organisations over the last 25 years or so.

Bin Hammam apart, he cited several examples from the large bodies like FIFA and the IOC, including the one that brought down former FIFA vice-president Austin ‘Jack’ Warner.

Warner’s name also came up when the discussion turned to the issue of membership levels and the inherent inequalities that creates.

Having done his homework with his Caribbean audience in mind, Cornu cited the example of the ICC (International Cricket Council), which has, he noted, 12 full members—nations who play Test cricket—and 92 associate members.

When it is time to vote on cricket matters, including changes to term limits for office, it is the voices of the full members that carry the day.

Staying in the region, Cornu also asked aloud why CONCACAF had members that belonged to both it and FIFA and others who were CONCACAF members only. It was, he admitted, puzzling to him.

The reasons, it was suggested, were two-fold. First, there is the geopolitics; several territories in the region remain mere colonial dependencies and protectorates, with the attendant citizenship and diplomatic complications.

Veterans’ Football Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago President Selby Browne offered the second reason as neo-politics: greater numbers increased the voting rights of the membership of CONCACAF as well as considerably boosting the volume of financial assistance to the region.

The person directly benefitting from all these increases, both in voting power and financial windfalls, was then CONCACAF president Warner.

Another well-known name that came up when the issues of conflicts of interest, questionable integrity and awarding of contracts was discussed was that of Ruben Acosta, who held the position of International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) president from 1984 to 2008.

Acosta allegedly left office, Cornu told his modest but enthusiastic audience, with US$33 million of FIVB money in his private bank account.

How was he able to achieve this? He made two simple rule changes designed to be of direct benefit to himself.

First, he introduced a rule that allowed for any person who signed a TV or sponsor contract on behalf of the FIVB to receive a personal bonus equal to 10% of the contract value. Quite an incentive considering the second rule: only the FIVB president was allowed to sign contracts.

The engaged and appreciative audience heard Cornu discourse on the facets of good governance, starting with a definition of what good governance in an organization should mean. He explained that one of the first things that should be clear for any enterprise should be the vision (what is to be achieved) and the strategy (how specifically to go about achieving same).

If those are not clear from the outset, he assured, it becomes very difficult later on to focus on what is supposed to be the core business.

No matter what their core business, sporting bodies face the challenge of striving to achieving true autonomy. Cornu cited two factors that make it difficult to do so: the first being the constraints of legal and regulatory frameworks irrespective of what internal regulations are drafted; and the second the fact that many of these bodies receive government subventions for their operations.

Acceptance of these subventions, Cornu pointed out, means that the government has a duty to find out how these monies are spent within the organisation and, in some cases, even to direct how they are spent.

Elaborating on the issues of conflicts of interest and the problems, real and perceived, they cause, Cornu contended that—in smaller societies—it is “unavoidable that these will appear to exist.”

However, he insisted, if organisations conducted their affairs in a truly transparent manner, allowing for properly documented processes and procedures to take place, then these would become much less of a problem.

“When open disclosure is the order of the day,” he asserted, “the integrity of the organisation and its office-holders will remain intact.”

In his wide-ranging presentation, Cornu touched on several other aspects of good governance, such as remuneration for members, distribution of resources, accounting, monitoring and auditing, term limitations for office, employee/athlete relations, equity and developmental programmes.

Scheduled to last one hour, the presentation went well past the two-hour mark, leaving precious little time for the planned audience question-and-answer session.

But there was time enough for a revealing “question” posed by Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) vice-president Joanne Salazar.

She wanted to know whether the ace presenter agreed that the knowledge gap that existed decades ago is irrelevant today; the tools and standards for good governance, she declared—answering her own question—are universally available for all to access and apply to sporting organisations.

However, Salazar added, the willpower to make these necessary changes and adhere to standards and best practices is the biggest hurdle within any environment and culture.

Nobody, not even the normally voluble Browne, ventured to say that, considering the state of local and regional sporting bodies, it won’t be any time soon that a discerning public will be able to accuse her organisation of practising good governance.

Cornu’s list of tell-tale signs for poorly governing sporting bodies—which included unclear guidelines for membership, the ad-hoc change of rules to benefit incumbents, lack of regular and freely available audited statements, uncertainty over spending and a mysterious electoral process—might sound familiar to local football fans.

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Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #140 on: September 28, 2017, 01:48:08 AM »
T&T football needs structure, passion.
T&T Guardian Reports.


The second season of CNC3’s On The Line (OTL) hosted by Gyasi Merrique continues tonight when episode two airs from 8pm.

In this season of the series which sees a new episode aired on the last Thursday of every month until the 2018 FIFA World Cup, football remains the exclusive focus as the programme seeks to peel back the layers of local football for a closer examination of the positive and negative aspects.

Now that it has been confirmed that there will be no place for T&T at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after yet another disappointing, chaotic and disastrous campaign, OTL explores what is next for the senior men’s national programme, its head coach Dennis Lawrence and the T&T Football Association when it comes to overall development.

In focus, Lawrence and TTFA president David John Williams share their thoughts on what are the take-aways and throw-aways from this latest campaign.

Both men answer the pertinent questions relating to the construction and establishment of a ‘Home of Football’ at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, and how it is expected to aid in solidifying T&T’s place as the football capital of the region as well as what is the short, medium and long term outlook for such a facility.

We also speak to president of the Secondary Schools Football League, William Wallace for a perspective on how the SSFL view its role and contribution to the growth of the beautiful game.

Wallace shares great insight into how the SSFL intends to once again become the jewel of the local football landscape by firstly seeking to engage its audiences more intimately.

The former T&T cricket board member suggests that it is high time that the SSFL and TTFA begin a more inclusive relationship which will steer football on the right path.

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Offline Tallman

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Sod turned for historic 72-room hotel in Couva
« Reply #141 on: September 30, 2017, 08:22:03 AM »
Sod turned for historic 72-room hotel in Couva
By Stephon Nicholas (T&T Newsday)


Football will finally get a home of its own.

The sod was officially turned yesterday for a 72-room sports hotel in Couva which is expected to be completed by September next year. The “home of football” will be located at the eastern side of the National Cycling Velodrome, running parallel to the Solomon Hochoy Highway.

Addressing the gathering, an elated TTFA president, David John-Williams, said after 109 years, football in TT will finally have a home of its own. He also announced plans for a grassroots programme where the TTFA will team up with the Ministry of Education for a training programme targetting youths from five years old to nine years.

He explained that 2000 students from schools across the country will be selected for the initiative. John-Williams said 80 schools will be brought on board to start the programme and equipment will be provided, while coaching staff will come from the TT Pro League. Nu Iron a subsidiary of NUCOR will sponsor the initiative to the tune of US$100,000 for the first two years. TTFA will contribute a further $50,000 to the effort.

CONCACAF General Secretary, Philippe Moggio, complimented the TTFA on the football home, saying it will change football in TT and provide opportunities for young players. He said the sod-turning symbolises the rebirth of football in TT and praised John-Williams for his vision.

Also present at the historic occasion was Sports Minister Darryl Smith who hailed the venture and spoke of the positive effect the facility will have on the sports tourism thrust.

Dinanath Ramnarine, Chairman of the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago reiterated Smith’s sentiments and lauded the TTFA for putting the wheels in motion.

“It is a wonderful initiative that the TTFA as a sporting organisation to take that kind of bold step. David John-Williams and his team have to be congratulated. It demonstrates the direction he is attempting to take the organisation. Football has gone through a very difficult period over the years and David has certainly channelled his energies in taking football in a positive direction.”

Ramnarine said because of the location of the TTFA hotel, it should be able to sustain itself as it will generate income when teams from around the world come to not only play football but train or compete at the National Cycling Velodrome, Ato Boldon Stadium or National Aquatic Centre.

“Having a facility like that in Couva is fantastic because it supports the Cycling Velodrome and Aquatic Centre and is in keeping with the sporting hub in central Trinidad. It helps in the sport tourism. It’s a good idea and it’s turning out to be a quite a beautiful thing,” Ramnarine said.
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Offline pull stones

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #142 on: September 30, 2017, 08:57:38 AM »
100 years too late. they should be ashamed to even think about patting themselves on the back.

Offline Tallman

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #143 on: October 03, 2017, 12:55:32 PM »
WATCH: Sod Turning Ceremony for the Home of Football

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Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #144 on: October 09, 2017, 04:06:52 AM »
TTFA concedes to Ramdhan in High Court, tries to explain stadium rental claim.
By R.Walcott (Wired868)


While Trinidad and Tobago’s “Soca Warriors” will try to avoid a seventh straight defeat when they tackle Mexico in World Cup qualifying action tonight, their bosses at the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) suffered a loss of their own today when they conceded to former FIFA referee Ramesh Ramdhan in a High Court matter that will now see them paying upwards of TT$540,000.

Ramdhan took the TTFA to court in an attempt to recoup payments due for his services to the organisation from 2012-2015.

In April of this year, the TTFA, through their attorneys Dayadai Harripaul and Anand R Misir, asked the High Court to be allowed to pay Ramdhan in monthly instalments while claiming a yearly lease fee in excess of TT$900,000 for the use of the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

However, just before midday today, Justice Boodoosingh refused the TTFA’s request to pay in monthly instalments and ordered the local football body to pay Ramdhan the TT$540,000 owed with immediate effect at a rate of 12% interest, bringing the rounded off figure to $604,800.

Boodoosingh stated that the TTFA’s 28 April affidavit, which included an income and expenses statement, did not justify their request to pay in instalments.

The TTFA affidavit, signed by Harripaul, stated: “The application applies to the court for an order to pay the amount due by an initial sum of $30,000.00 and instalments of $22,500.00 per month and provides the following information…

“[The] Trinidad and Tobago Football Association pays a lease of $944,021 per year for the use of the premises at the Hasley [sic] Crawford Stadium.”

The TTFA’s claim of paying more than $900,000 to rent their offices at the Hasely Crawford Stadium raised red flags for Ramdhan and he and his attorney, Anand Singh, immediately challenged the David John-Williams-led administration to support the claim.

Rather than provide supporting documentation, the TTFA’s legal team accepted responsibility for the misinformation.

“This statement was put in error as a result of a misunderstanding on my part,” stated Harripaul in an affidavit. “These were not the instructions of the Defendant. I do apologise to the Court and to the Claimant for this error as the Defendant has acted bona fides at all times.

“The information [regarding rental fees at the Hasely Crawford Stadium] was a genuine error and was not intended to mislead the Court in any way.”

Boodoosingh still had questions about the TTFA’s misleading affidavit.

“Why was the affidavit sworn by the attorney [Dayadai Harripaul] and not the TTFA?” asked Boodoosingh.

But neither Harripaul, Misir nor John-Williams was present in court to respond as TTFA general secretary Justin Latapy-George and a third attorney represented the football body.

The TTFA offered to make a TT$75,000 lump sum payment to Ramdhan next month to be followed by monthly instalments but Ramdhan rejected the offer and Boodoosingh said he had no choice but to award immediate payment.

After the ruling, Latapy-George said he was pressed for time and did not stick around long enough to give Wired868 a comment.

Ramdhan, who claimed he had only been paid for four months of his TTFA contract, said he tried to resolve the matter outside of the High Court but was forced to take legal action after his calls for discussion were ignored by John-Williams.

Ramdhan, who was defeated in the polls by John-Williams in November 2015, felt the TTFA were fortunate to escape without further censure for the false information in their April affidavit.

“I am happy that the matter is over but it should not have gotten so far,” Ramdhan told Wired868. “This was a personal matter against me. I gave John-Williams ample time to come to a settlement with me[…]. I think he took this personally because I opposed him for the TTFA presidency. I congratulated him on his victory and I never got a response.”

The TTFA also informed the Court that CONCACAF “has extended a loan facility to [the local football body] to assist with its operational costs” on top of an annual subvention of US$125,000. And the Confederation was happy to pay Ramdhan on one condition.

“The only requirement from CONCACAF is [Ramdhan] be paid directly by CONCACAF and not through the Defendant.”

Unlike former Women’s National Senior Team head coach Carolina Morace, Ramdhan said he had no problem with being paid through CONCACAF, especially if he is paid in US dollars.

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

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #145 on: November 22, 2017, 05:53:20 AM »
TTFA: All invited to AGM.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has said all its members have been invited to its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, from 10 am, at the Media Room, National Cycling Centre, Balmain, Couva.

However, the TTFA pair of president David John-Williams and general secretary Justin Latapy-George have urged all its members to become compliant in accordance with its constitution or face consequences.

It was reported on Wired868.com that only 16 of the TTFA’s 49 members who were compliant were invited to the AGM. Selby Browne, president of the Veteran Footballers of Trinidad and Tobago, yesterday issued a rallying call for all TTFA members to attend the AGM. Browne said, “This call is in keeping with Articles 12 and 28 of the TTFA Constitution. No other authority is vested in or given by the membership of the TTFA at any General Meeting to permit the removal, sanction or forfeit of the rights of the membership under the guise of non-compliance.”

The TTFA staged a media conference yesterday at its Board Room, Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, to clear the air on the compliance matter. John-Williams said the issue of compliance has been repeatedly raised by his administration and even his predecessor Raymond Tim Kee but the majority of members have not adhered to the requests despite numerous extensions. He explained that clubs’ licences could be revoked at the end of the year by FIFA if they do not become compliant.

A new date was set for November 11 to extend the compliance period to December 31, 2017, the TTFA boss stated but “of the 49 delegates, only 13 showed up. We did not have a quorum, the meeting had to be squashed.”

Latapy-George stressed, “Because there was not a quorum on the 11th of November 2017, by the constitution there is a reconvening of that meeting on the 25th of November 2017. The notice of that reconvened meeting has been sent to all members identifying the time, date and location to discuss that matter of compliance.”

According to John-Williams, “If there is one person at the meeting at the time of the start of the meeting, that would be the quorum – the constitution allows for that.”

Latapy-George said, “One of the areas that we have identified that may have been most difficult for our members was the submission of audited financial statements. That is an area, based on discussions we continue to have with the membership, that seems to be a bit of a troubled-bar that we are having. “However I indicated early in my discourse the intention of the TTFA is to work with our members to ensure that no-one is disenfranchised and that we continue to do the business of football, knowing very well the our members are very important to what we do.”

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Offline Flex

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #146 on: November 23, 2017, 03:19:47 AM »
Tempers flare as 70 percent of membership excluded from AGM.
By Lisana Liburd (Wired868).


A TTFA coup?

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) appears destined for a constitutional crisis of its own making, after general secretary Justin Latapy-George snubbed nearly 70 percent of the local football body’s membership in the matter of the organisation’s AGM, scheduled for 25 November 2017.

The TTFA comprises 49 delegates but, in a remarkable development, just 16 were invited for the upcoming AGM, the agenda for which includes the vetting of the body’s audited financial statement for 2016.

The invited bodies were the Southern, Northern and Tobago Football Associations (each with three delegates) and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Referees Association (two delegates) as well as Pro League outfits W Connection, Club Sando, St Ann’s Rangers and North East Stars and Trinidad and Tobago Super League (TTSL) club, FC Santa Rosa (each with one delegate).

Latapy-George, who is instructed by the David John-Williams-led board of directors, confirmed that compliance was the criterion used for deciding which bodies are to be allowed to participate in the AGM.

According to Article 10.2 (k) of the TTFA Constitution—which was passed in July 2015—all members must meet several criteria for admittance into the football body, including “a copy of the minutes of its last General Meeting or constitutional meeting and a copy of its audited financial statements for the previous financial year.”

However, more than two years later, over three-quarters of the local football membership remains non-compliant, as far as the football body’s general secretariat is concerned.

Last month, when the TTFA warned its membership about their compliance status, Latapy-George assured Wired868 that—despite concerns from football stakeholders—there was no move afoot to disenfranchise members.

Article 14.1 of the constitution states that “the General Meeting is responsible for suspending a Member. The Board of Directors may, however, suspend a Member that seriously violates its obligations as a Member with immediate effect. In this case, the suspension shall last until the next General Meeting…”

The TTFA general secretary insisted, then, that no such suspension had been discussed by the board of directors.

“The authority to suspend cannot be done by the general secretariat [and] any suggestion of suspension is misplaced at this current juncture,” Latapy-George told Wired868 last month. “There are tons of steps before we get to that point.”

Latapy-George said the TTFA’s warning about compliance, at the time, was merely an update to its membership, which would be further discussed at the upcoming AGM.

“I know emotions are high and there are suspicions,”he said. “I understand and respect that. But […] I am merely telling them where we are and looking at what we can do now [to help members become compliant].

“[…] The general secretariat cannot and does not have the authority to suspend members in this scenario.”

According to Article 12.1, all members have the right to “take part in the General Meeting, to receive its agenda in advance, to be called to the General Meeting within the prescribed time and to exercise their voting rights…”

However, the TTFA secretariat has not given 68 percent of its members the ability to exercise that right.

On Friday afternoon, Latapy-George said the members had not been suspended while at the same time acknowledging that they had been deprived of a fundamental privilege.

“I stand by the position that the general secretariat does not have the power to sanction anyone,” said Latapy-George. “There was no sanction but I will prefer not to discuss this because it is a very sensitive topic.”

The TTFA decision provoked a furious response by some members with Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFOTT) president Selby Browne describing the action as an attempted coup by the John-Williams-led board.

“They cannot take away anybody’s rights,” Browne told Wired868. “They have no authority to compromise or sanction the rights of any members… The motion [for members to become compliant] did not include a penalty or sanction.”

TTSL president Keith Look Loy, whose FC Santa Rosa club were deemed compliant, agreed with Browne in that only the general membership should decide the fate of members.

“Any issue about non-compliance will be decided by the general members, not John-Williams or the board,” said Look Loy. “To send notice of the General Meeting only to seven or nine members—including FC Santa Rosa who they say are compliant—is a subversion of the constitution.

“I and other people are very fearful that elected officers will like to use the issue of compliance and non-compliance to subvert the general membership and run the TTFA via the board or the elected members [of the board].

“That is a constitutional concern; the general membership must run the TTFA and not the board.”

The issue of compliance has tied local football in knots right from the moment the clause was passed.

In July 2015, FIFA gave four months to the TTFA electoral committee—which was led by current SPORTT chairman Dinanath Ramnarine and included attorney Mervyn Campbell and TTOC president Brian Lewis (who was subsequently replaced by Elton Prescott, SC)—to get all members compliant and ready to vote in the 29 November 2015 election.

On 20 October 2015, FIFA acting general secretary Markus Kattner warned the local football body that “All members as listed in the TTFA Constitution must comply with Article 10.2 in order to take part in the elections; and those failing to do so will still have 18 months from the date of the adoption to complete the process or lose definitively their membership.”

The penalty for remaining non-compliant, as Browne noted, was not explicitly stated in the TTFA Constitution. But the governing body was clear as to how seriously it took the issue.

However, despite voiced concerns from FIFA and local stakeholders—including then presidential candidate, John-Williams—Ramnarine ignored the instructions and told candidates that they could vote even if they were not compliant.

And, in November 2015, John-Williams was elected to replace Raymond Tim Kee as president with anywhere from one-third to two-thirds of the votes cast by non-compliant members.

John-Williams did not set up a compliance committee to assist the TTFA’s membership until a year into his term. And, by then, according to FIFA, at least 70 percent of local delegates had two months to act before their status potentially expired at the end of January 2017.

Incidentally, the TTFA’s deadline for compliance was 30 March 2017, which was two months after the time given by FIFA.

The delegates who spoke to Wired868 said they were not warned by Latapy-George or the compliance committee of Michelle Lynch and Sharon O’Brien as to what was at stake.

Eastern Football Association of Trinidad and Tobago (EFATT) president Linus Sanchez, whose body was declared non-compliant, accused the TTFA of botching the process and frustrating rather than assisting members.

“We submitted our compliance documents long before the compliance deadline in March,” said Sanchez. “But we were only told we were non-compliant about a month ago in an email from Sharon [O’Brien]. It was not specific and, when we asked for more information, they never responded. We are real upset about this.

“I called someone I know on the board and he said he would check and he came back and told me that they said our audited statement was really an audited budget. Our audited statement was done by a financial director and when I called the person and told them that, they just laughed.

“As far as I am concerned, we are compliant and the real issue is the incompetence of the people spearheading the Compliance Ccommittee, who have been no help whatsoever.”

Central Football Association (CFA) general secretary Clynt Taylor also criticised the TTFA’s Compliance Committee.

“The deadline was March 30 and we should have heard from the TTFA via the individuals who were in charge of ensuring members were compliant, said Taylor, “[but] we did not get that. I called the TTFA a number of times to find out if they received our documents and if everything was acceptable and they said they didn’t get our documents. So I personally delivered a copy to them.

“Then in August, they told me they still didn’t receive it and I sent it again. Only then, they said it lacked the audited accounts. We sent the accounting information but it was not audited and [they only told us this] after the deadline, when we didn’t have time to rectify it.”

Taylor said the CFA is cash-strapped but will urge its creditors to bear with them so they can become compliant. But other delegates claimed that they could not raise the money or were uncertain of the benefits of paying for an audit.

“If the TTFA isn’t giving us any money,” said one delegate, who asked not to be named, “then why do we have to pay an auditor to account to the TTFA for what we did with the money we raised for ourselves?

“It is not like the TTFA is asking us to account for money they gave us, which is different.”

Look Loy, like Taylor and Sanchez, said they recognised the importance of being compliant. Their issue is with the process for getting it done.

“We all recognise the value and the necessity of having members of the TTFA being compliant,” said Look Loy, “because compliance places organisational and structural demands on the various members, which adds strength and the ability to function on members [and] that is a good thing.

“But my point and the point of others is the TTFA has not done enough to assist in that regard. The TTFA was formed in 1908 and suddenly, since November 2015, people have been asked to become compliant and given a to-do list.

“That is like a teacher telling a student ‘You have an exam to pass so look the syllabus; I hope you pass.’”

The TTSL president said the issue of audited financial statements, in particular, needed some level of proactive thinking by the local football body.

“It is a costly business [and], in the last meeting, Central FC stated openly that they didn’t have the money to pay for audited statements,” said Look Loy. “[…] My personal view is we should extend the moratorium to 31 December and help pull people up by their bootstraps and give them the concrete assistance to do that.

“[…] Why not get three or four auditing firms and give them six members each and get a group price? Let us try to assist the membership and not just sit back and say you are not compliant; that is not leadership.”

Sanchez suggested that the TTFA owed it to members to help pay for their audits.

“They have to understand that there are members out there with no income,” he said, “and I am sure the TTFA gets funding to disperse to members and they don’t.”

Despite the heat regarding the issue of non-compliance now, an extraordinary general meeting to tackle the matter on 11 November was aborted owing to the lack of a quorum. That meeting will now be reconvened, according to the provisions of the TTFA Constitution, on the very morning of the AGM.

Latapy-George defended the football body’s handling of the compliance process and suggested that the EGM represented an opportunity for members to help settle any problems.

“I think generally we can do better but we did as best as we could do,” said Latapy-George. “There are probably things we can look at to make things better [but] that was the primary reason for calling that EGM: to decide how to treat with this very serious matter.”

Regardless, Browne has no intention of sitting out the AGM and insisted that, since John-Williams was voted into office by non-compliant members, then if they were now illegitimate, so is his presidency.

“Dinanath Ramnarine gave a concession to have non-compliant members vote in the election of 29 November,” said Browne. “I have not seen in the minutes any motion moved to have Ramnarine’s concession accepted. If it was not in there, non-compliant people would not have been allowed to vote and the election is illegal.

“If it was in there, that compliance period ended on 17 January [and] all meetings thereafter must be illegal. It is check and mate; you decide which one it is.”

Sanchez, who alleged that John-Williams promised TT$80,000 to the EFA for the 2017 season but failed to keep his word, said the current compliance issue was an indictment on the President’s leadership.

“Arrogance is not a trait of any good leader,” said the EFATT boss, “even King David and King Solomon accepted counsel. Humility has evaded David John-Williams for all of his life and that is why he always gets in trouble with people. We have to rectify this situation.

“The first thing they have to do is apologise for their incompetence and tardiness in handling this.”

For now, the TTFA has other ideas. And, according to Latapy-George, the AGM will proceed with just 16 invitees from among a total of 49 delegates.

Once a quorum of nine delegates is reached, the range of decisions that can be made in the weekend AGM include suspension or expulsion of Members, approval of the TTFA’s financial statements, approval of the TTFA’s budget, amendments to the TTFA Constitution, appointment of members to various committees, and admission for membership.

RELATED NEWS

Football stakeholders challenge compliance.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).


“Compliant! What compliant?” is the question being asked by clubs and some Regional Associations, after being given an ultimatum by T&T Football Association president David John-Williams on Tuesday to comply with the rules of the FIFA and CONCACAF or face sanctions.

John-Williams’ plight specifically called on clubs and associations to submit audited financial statements, for which only eight out of the 49 members have supplied. The TTFA will on Saturday hold a reconvened extraordinary general meeting for members to secure an extension to become compliant by December 31. Representatives of the Eastern Counties Football Union (ECFU), Northern Football Association, Central FA and the newly branded Eastern Football Association of T&T (EFATT) yesterday accused the TTFA of disregarding a promise made three months ago to provide financial assistance to the tune of $15, 000 each to run the affairs of football for the season.

They complain football associations do not receive a cent from the TTFA, yet have to be compliant for monies never received.

One representative who spoke on condition of anonymity said while he understands the importance of the call, he made it clear that FIFA provides the CONCACAF, TTFA and all other affiliates with money to assist with development, and are therefore in a position to demand compliance. On the other hand regional associations are required to raise its own funds to ensure competition takes place and clubs are rewarded for its efforts.

Guardian Media Sports learnt that regional associations pay the TTFA $3,100 in annual affiliation fees, as well as $5, 000 referees’ fee weekly for approximately three months of football. In addition, zones also cover prize monies which this year, carry an average tag of $40, 000 for the Premier Division winner’s purse with $25, 000 for second. They also provide prize monies for all other divisions of football.

From these figures, each club is required to pay a cost of $5, 000 to the zone to cover registration and affiliation fees, and insurance for players. Linus Sanchez, the EFATT president called on John-Williams to work more closely with zones, saying the problem of compliance stems from the administration of the TTFA, as its responsibility exceeds just being the parent body.

He said he suspended all 16 clubs in his zone for non-compliance earlier this year, and it was the TTFA boss who decided to gave the clubs the opportunity to be compliant by paying its registration fees to play.

“These clubs never embraced that opportunity and never became compliant. I know he means well, but I would like him to work more with the zones on administrative matters, etc,” explained Sanchez. The EFATT boss also took a swipe at the TTFA, saying audited financial statements were handed to the TTFA in the first quarter of this year, after it was initially asked to be re-done.

“The TTFA failed to gave us the full extent of being compliant. We found out later it included having our own constitution, proper name, providing a list of all committee members with contacts, portfolio and email addresses, and the minutes of the last general meeting with the audited statements” Sanchez explained.

All representatives have agreed to attend Saturday’s meeting and make the compliance info as a requirement for clubs gaining entry.

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Offline kounty

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #147 on: November 23, 2017, 08:17:29 AM »
this administration usually deserve the criticism it get, and I haven't really read everything thoroughly, but on the face of it I can't fault them for putting their foot down to get audited statements (in particular) from its members. Hopefully they could provide same for the public to view, leading to greater future transparency.

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #148 on: November 23, 2017, 09:05:39 AM »
TTFA head says CONCACAF to ensure Pro League survival.
T&T Express Reports.


Trinidad and Tobago Football Association president David John-Williams says his administration will be focusing on strengthening the Trinidad and Tobago Professional Football League which he believes will impact positively on the national team’s performances on the international stage.

The T&T Pro League (TTPL), established more than 15 years ago, has had its challenges, one of the key issues being financial viability. In the current season, for example, the three-time defending Pro League winner and current Caribbean club champion, Central FC, is struggling, having lost most of its top players and its head coach as a result of salary issues.

Speaking on the TV Six Morning Edition on Thursday, John-Williams, who took over the TTFA presidency in 2015 from Raymond Tim Kee, said, “We need to strengthen the Pro League.


WATCH: The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association is calling on its members to get their act together and become compliant, as required by CONCACAF and FIFA.

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« Last Edit: November 26, 2017, 05:50:17 AM by Flex »
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Offline soccerman

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Re: TTFA News Thread.
« Reply #149 on: November 24, 2017, 11:18:41 PM »
Question is, are they assisting some of these clubs in developing financial statements? I'm sure many clubs in various zones will have a hard time preparing these statements.

 

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