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The “Soca Warriors” are four days away from the 2014 Caribbean Cup finals in Jamaica after successive group stage wins over Curaçao and French Guiana. But Wired868 can confirm that it is six months since the national senior team players were last paid a match fee and eight months since Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart received a salary.
The Warriors stormed up to 49th in the FIFA rankings last month, which is the country’s highest place in eight years. Off the field, though, the situation is increasingly fragile with the squad repeatedly frustrated with unfulfilled promises by Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Raymond Tim Kee and general secretary Sheldon Phillips.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/TTFA Media)
Wired868 was reliably informed that the Warriors have not received any payment for their last six outings, which dates back to a June 8 friendly against Iran in São Paulo. The outstanding sum is said to be nearing the region of $5 million.
It is a talking point within the camp and a source of concern for players and staff alike. However, Hart assured Trinidad and Tobago that the Warriors remain focused on the job and bringing pride to the two island republic in the regional tournament.
“The players and all of us are just trying to focus on football,” Hart told Wired868. “All the discussions between players and management (about the outstanding money) happened before we left (Trinidad). These players are totally focused on getting to the Gold Cup, which we have achieved, and trying to win the Caribbean Cup.
“In the back of their minds, I am sure there are little issues. But they have given more than I can ever ask of them on the field.”
The San Fernando-bred coach, who previously coached Canada at youth and senior level, was more guarded when asked to confirm that he had not been paid for the last eight months. He stressed that he felt uncomfortable discussing such matters in public and did not want to distract his squad.
“I suppose it is no real secret that I haven’t been paid,” said Hart. “But I don’t want to make waves or wash my laundry in public. I just want to focus on us getting to the Gold Cup and speak to (the TTFA) later.”
(Courtesy CONCACAF)
Team manager William Wallace has still not left for Jamaica as he tries to play his role in handling the financial rescue package, which is expected to come from the Ministry of Sport. But he said he expects the matter to be sorted in time for Tuesday’s Caribbean Cup final.
“All will be well by next Tuesday,” said Wallace. “The Minister of Sport (Dr Rupert Griffith) really went beyond the call and people stayed in (the office) until after 6 pm to do the paperwork to make sure all is ready by next week Tuesday.”
When Hart was unveiled as the new Trinidad and Tobago head coach on 24 June 2013, Tim Kee said his salary would not be borne by taxpayers but, instead, would be picked up by three unnamed sponsors—two local and one international organisation. The supposed sponsors were never identified and Wired868 understands that Hart’s outstanding payments are also on the Government’s tab.
Trinidad and Tobago plays its final group match tomorrow on Saturday November 15 from 9 pm (TT time) against Cuba in Montego Bay. A draw or a win will put Warriors in the final for the second time in successive competitions.
In 2012, Trinidad and Tobago lost 1-0 to Cuba in extra time of the regional final. And Hart said tomorrow’s game will be treated like a final.
“We have to play two finals,” said Hart. “One tomorrow and, if we win, another one after that on Tuesday And that is all I am concerned with right now.”
Unfortunately, it will not be as simple as putting Trinidad and Tobago’s best players on the field. And, although Orlando City attacker Kevin Molino scored seven times in his last four outings, it is possible that the gifted number 10 will be rested tomorrow as a matter of preserving the player’s health.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
According to FIFA rules, players are only supposed to play twice within an international match window. Molino has already appeared in two games and there are as many remaining.
Should a player’s employer lodge a complaint, the TTFA would be open to sanction for violating FIFA’s guidelines.
“You have to think about the health and wellbeing of the players,” said Hart. “Almost almost every coach here is in the same situation… Some players are coming off the field eight to ten pounds lighter than they went on and there isn’t time for them to recover. And some players who played back to back games are dead.
“So we will be negligent if we didn’t pay attention to that… I am trying to rotate the squad and I think the players here have shown they can do it.
“I have to think about what is best for the player.”
The Warriors have not lifted the Caribbean crown since 2001 and team captain Kenwyne Jones said the players are determined to set that right. As an added bonus, the 2014 regional champion will also be invited to take part in South America’s 2016 Copa America tournament.
The players and technical staff are hoping, as they go about their jobs, that the TTFA is doing its own work to ensure they are remunerated for their efforts.
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Bruce seems as though you and I are on the same wavelength. I keep saying that corporate TnT will not involve themselves with the TTFA as long as these corrupt practices continue.
As far as I am aware, the next tournament will be the FIFA Women’s World Cup in June and then the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July. So there is a window there even though there is obviously the risk that it will affect preparation for our teams.
Maybe Trin Bagonian can start a petition for FIFA. It won’t make a change. But it would at least embarrass them and gauge how many people want rid of them.
Lasana, everything these people touches turn to shite… What other tournaments we have after Feb? TTFA election should be in April/May, considering the bligh by FIFA?
Savitri, this TTFA executive frontline is incapable of raising funds to keep the body going properly. So they must step aside.
The government is only funding the national teams at the moment. Yet the frontline TTFA executive continues to survive in the shadows. There is only one thing left to do. Turn off the tap.
Until the TTFA can show financial maturity, turn them out of their headquarters in the Hasely Crawford Stadium, stop their access to Government grounds and force the football bodies to hold an emergency meeting and get rid of the top.
I can’t see any other way. The Govt cannot interfere directly because of FIFA rules. But it doesn’t have to fund them.
Between now and next May, the U-20s play CONCACAF tournament in January and the U-17s play in February. Fund those two teams and nothing else.
That is all I can think of at the moment. Anyone has another idea?
But Lasana all the State agencies are operating like that without accountability. Didn’t you read the Auditor Generals report earlier this year? Also with all of this going on with the TTFA how could FIFA move in and postpone our internal elections. Who is still holding on to the reigns here?
Lasana, if there was planning and honest communication in the TTFA and honesty and accountability in the SPORTT we would not have financial issues as we do. However, with the level of corruption all around us, we will not easily find corporate sponsors.
So Lasana, we know how these thieves operate, now let’s talk solutions no nah….Meh pressha going up just thinking bout it…
The TTFA can sign whatever contract it wants and then send the bill to the taxpayers.
Imagine if any other State agency in the country operated like that. And one with no audited statements to boot.
The TTFA hired Stephen Hart. When reporters asked his salary, we were told don’t worry about that. It isn’t your business or the government’s business because we are paying him ourselves.
Now they are not paying him and taxpayers have to.
I think Hart represents value for money and we should keep him. But it cannot be right the way the TTFA runs up a bill and then taxpayers must pay for their incompetence and inability to fund their own programs.
He playing midwife now
What we need to do is find the last sports minister!.
U know I getting vex now right?
The government is being paid though. They would never stand for this happening to them.
“The supposed sponsors were never identified and Wired868 understands that Hart’s outstanding payments are also on the Government’s tab. ” Na, this cyar be true….
On the bright side though you have to s admire the dedication and patriotism of our footballers, coaches and support staff, like anyone they have lives, families, expenses yet they either perform for free as the Women’s coach (who’s not even a citizen) or play not knowing when or if they will be paid which is a far cry from what can br said about their administrators (who by all rights should perform seppuku) who could not fathom such patriotism.
One day the right ppl will really make them accountable. Look at Jack. Even his day came.
Same ole , same ole. Wonder when Hart gonna get paid.
And anyone really believed Tim Kee?? Can anyone believe anything that comes out of the TTFA mouths??
So happy Anton Corneal ‘walked’ when he did. NOTHING HAS CHANGED, They have NO SHAME.
Lol Maria Antonia Sagar!
You’re going good Vernal. As Savitri said preach this Saturday morning as i so blasted vex i will probably buss a vessel over people who don’t deserve it if i start talking. Just when we’re on a roll with Football both Men and Women’s the Governing Body f***ing up the ting all over again and we will lose good Coaches and Technical staff and this Government doh give a shit about anything except lining their pockets.
lol,” strutting like a peacock” what adequate imagery.
That was the point i was trying to make yesterday. Want to give my support but those leeches taking all de money and the ones who really deserve it are not being paid. These Men and Women are playing their hearts out for their Country and getting screwed left,right and centre while Phillips keep putting on more and more weight and Tim Kee strutting like a peacock all over the place in he jacket and tie cause he’s the PNM’s appointed Mayor of Port of Spain? And dem want MY vote with HIM as their Treasurer!!! Steups!!!
not a problem, next home game charge $1000 uncovered, and $2000 covered.
Ridiculous
I’m sorry but I DO NOT want my tax dollars going to pay the Warriors. I have no interest in supporting the TTFA and their incompetence and malfeasance. Enough is enough.
We all have to contend with administrative selfishness, ineptitude and corruption. You will notice a certain class of Trinidadians who make up the various administrations in, around and out of government never have a problem being compensated in a timely manner, but those they are charged with making sure get compensated in a timely manner frequently are not. That can’t be by chance!
Why does this continue to happen, when millions are being squandered? God bless the Warriors for being strong under those circumstances.
Preach this Saturday morning, Vernal!
Always proud of the effort the Warriors put in, and even more so when those efforts are rewarded with success, but in all honesty those who experience the joy of pride are also susceptible to the sting of shame.
It really does take away from that swelling of the heart we feel when our footballers while showcasing their skills to hear the commentators mention our money management problems, it portrays Trinidad and Tobago not as a destitute nation, no it’s worse than that, how it portrays Trinidad and Tobago is as a deadbeat nation, one unwilling to face it’s financial responsibilities.
Isn’t it interesting that the President of our nation who continues on his year long unbroken streak as a confirmed disappointment can simply request and be granted a housing allowance even while enjoying domestic state accommodations for himself and his family yet our gallant footballers who do so much more than he to elevate the profile of our tiny twin island republic are rarely (if ever) paid on time?
It marks T&T on the map as the haven of pirates where the most deserving of citizens are punished!
SEND OUT A TWEET!
Why does the gov’t have to always bail out TTFA?
Because its Trinidad & Tobago football association !!! That is not a private company
Ah man ax how bad it could get yes… doh ax dem ting boy… before young “Tiger” show yuh how bad it could really get!!
This is unreal….ddon’t know what else to say nah
It is very heartwarming to know that we have a good coach who is concerned about his players’ s health. Thanks for this blessing but when will our national athletes and their coaches be properly paid?
Y is TimKey not fired yet?
STUPES SAME SHIT SAME ADMINSTRATION
Good going ttff.
Why are they being payed? They only exist because of the players! They should surrender their salaries.
The philosophy…not the physical persons.
They must have a constitution and a way to get them out.
Cynically, It would seem that recent performances in football and cricket suggest that administrations putting their hands in their players’ pockets has served to fuel more competitive performances from the players (men’s and women’s football locally and WI cricket). However, how much longer can this pappyshow really go on? The TTFA will no doubt try to piggyback and insinuate themselves into these successes when theyknow in their coal lumps of hearts that these recent successes had not one flaying fart to do with them. Warriors and Warrior Princesses – be brave and do not go gentle into that good night! while supporting your efforts on the sidelines, we Wired868 faithful will continue to rage, rage *FOR* the dying of Tim Kee’s and Phillips’s lights!
We need a new breed…but how to get the old fogey’s out !
where is the accountability? who is to blame? we need a new breed of sports administrators!!!
What de hell? Stef Fab what going on? Allyuh eh paying de men. Diaz why allyuh charging soo much for the matches now?
SMH! How bad can things get for football in T&T?
Boy this is playing for the love of the game. So boy we can’t be angry when players don’t want to answer the phone when they get called up eh!
I can well appreciate how tiring this must be now. Smh
Normal ting now