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New Pro League champions, Central FC, appear to be on the brink of meltdown, just two weeks after winning their maiden domestic title, with a feud over bonuses that, ironically, has pitted Sport Minister Brent Sancho and his advisor Kevin Harrison against over two dozen players and staff members.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Central’s players and staff were offered 10 percent of the Pro League’s $1 million first prize but have refused the figure. And some squad members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, insisted that Sancho, in his previous capacity as club CEO, offered to split half the league winnings with the team.
“Sancho said the deal is whatever the players win they get half of and half goes back to the club,” a Central squad member told Wired868, “and you all get 20 percent of what they get. So, the split would be 50 percent to the club, 40 percent to the players and ten percent to the staff.”
The Sport Minister denied the allegation.
“I never said that,” said Sancho, who said he recused himself from club affairs after becoming Sport Minister in February 2015. “We had offered them 50 percent (of prize money) for (cup competitions)… It was 30 percent the first year and then we said we would raise it to 50 (percent).
“The league money was never discussed… In fact, before I became Minister of Sport we were supposed to discuss (bonuses for) the League, Caribbean Cup and CONCACAF. But then obviously I left the club and we never had a chance to sit down before I left.”
Sancho is a former World Cup 2006 player and CEO of local Pro League club, Central FC.
(Courtesy SPORTT)
Harrison, who is Central’s operations director and an advisor to the Sport Minister, also claimed that the 50 percent offer was only for knock out competitions. And he insisted that the Central board, which is run by SIS official Darren Mohamdally, will only offer $100,000 to the squad from the $1 million prize money.
“I was authorised to tell the players that they can have 10 percent to share between players and staff,” said Harrison. “I was told the players wanted 40 percent and the staff would be dealt with separately. But I’m not a decision maker. I get told by the board and relay decisions.”
The Central team trained from 9 am today in Couva. But the friction has put a question mark over the remainder of their season.
The “Couva Sharks”, who already won the Pro League and First Citizens Cup titles this season, are scheduled to play Police FC from 8 pm tomorrow in the second match of a Pro Bowl semifinal round double header at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. And they will face Haitian outfit, Don Bosco, in the Caribbean Club Championship semifinals on May 22 at the same venue.
Fenwick, who replaced Zoran Vranes at helm on March 24, admitted the mood is tense on the training ground. The English coach said he was not a part of the alleged bonus deal or the ongoing negotiations but is advised by players on the talks.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
“We had a very strong team spirit when I walked in,” Fenwick told Wired868, “but that has been crushed because of finance-related issues, bonus problems and promises that apparently haven’t been kept with the players…
“There is now a very disgruntled squad of which half of them, myself included, are of of contract on May 31.”
Harrison admitted that he could not state definitely that Central will turn up for tomorrow’s Pro Bowl semifinal match. But he urged the players to focus on the remaining prize money at stake and try to end their seasons on a high note.
“Obviously we know the guys are upset but I can’t see why they wouldn’t play,” said Harrison. “The bonus problem is about the League but that has finished. The Pro Bowl (first prize) is $100,000 and, if they are so concerned about bonuses, then that is $50,000 for them (to share) if they win it.
“Fifty percent of our players won’t get the chance to play in a Caribbean Cup final and when you finish those are the memories you look back on. If you are going to leave, leave on the top.”
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
The irony of Sancho and Harrison’s position is inescapable.
Sancho was one of 13 “Soca Warriors” who successfully sued the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) for 50 percent of all income generated from the 2006 World Cup. Harrison, who was a low-level Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) official in England, advised the Warriors.
Sancho was also a founding member of the now defunct Football Players Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT), which also employed Harrison as an advisor.
For now, though, the Sharks promise to play in the Pro Bowl semifinals.
“We have a game tomorrow and we are going to play,” said Central captain Leston Paul. “I don’t think the players are happy. But we are being professional about it and we will play the game.”
Wired868 can confirm that there are divisions within the playing and coaching ranks regarding not only whether they should complete the season with Sharks. But also if a bonus plan was in place at all and whether a 50 percent take of the Pro League prize money is fair or excessive.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Phone calls throughout the squad found that some believed a bonus deal was in place from the start of the season while others said an offer was just made. Some were prepared to down boots immediately while others wanted to add the Caribbean title to their list of achievements.
And there was no unison among the players and staff on what prize money they should receive either.
Harrison admitted that the club erred by not sorting out a bonus structure before the season got going.
“As far as the board is concerned, they made the decision at the beginning of the season,” said Harrison. “Why it wasn’t relayed to the players, I don’t know. If we had offered them a $100,000 bonus (to share) last summer, they would probably have been happy.
“So it was our fault not to tell them and theirs not to raise it then. But we pay them the best salaries we could and some of the best wages in the league… If they want better bonuses, it would be reflected in (lower salaries).”
If the players are accustomed to getting 50/50 splits on prize money from Cup winnings, is it reasonable for them to expect the same for claiming the League title?
Adams died on 30 December 2013 after failing to recover from a heart attack.
(Courtesy Allan V. Crane/Wired868)
Harrison disagreed and claimed that the Sharks need the League winnings to ensure their survival for next season.
“The amount of money (between the league and cup competitions) is different and we have to make sure the club exists,” said Harrison. “So the $900,000 the club keeps will make sure we exist next season. Why should the club not get the whole of it?
“We pay very good salaries because we want to win competitions and they already receive the best salaries in the league anyway. If we did it the other way and gave poorer salaries and big bonuses then, if they didn’t win, they would be worse off.
“If I were a player, I would prefer bigger salaries and less bonuses.”
Harrison confirmed that Central will not pay out any of its $300,000 returns for finished second in the league for the 2013/14 season.
“We decided we would only pay if we won,” he said. “We didn’t want to pay for being the best losers.”
Connection beat Central to the 21014/14 Pro League title.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
But don’t all players in England’s professional leagues get a slice of the prize money irrespective of their league placing?
“Well, the (Pro League) might decide on that but then put a cap on wages,” said Harrison. “(Local) clubs don’t bring in anything beside prize money… and if they gave half to the players, many would struggle to stay in the league.
“I have always gone on record as saying I would love to see day when players get a good wage. But, with the falling oil prices and so on, money is hard to come by.”
For now, simmering distrust aside, the Sharks will go on together. But Paul, a two-time World Youth Cup captain and former St Mary’s College schoolboy, did not confirm whether the Sharks would complete their roster of games this season.
“I can’t answer that question right now,” said Paul. “There is a lot of chatter going on about that. (But) I will leave that until the game tomorrow.
“If we don’t get positive feedback, then I don’t know what will be the next step. Right now, we just want to play in the game and get to the (Pro Bowl) final.”
Teammate Ataulla Guerra (centre) lifts the Pro League trophy while league CEO Dexter Skeene looks on.
(Courtesy Alllan V Crane/Wired868)
So far, Harrison is not for turning.
“If I was a player and I wanted to leave,” he said, “I would want to say I won the League and the Caribbean Cup, etc (because) it adds value to you as a player. They will be cutting their nose off to spite their face (if they boycotted). All the club would lose is $50,000 (from the Pro Bowl), which isn’t the end of the world.
“I would love to keep the majority of the team together… We had such a great vibe in Guyana, it is a pity it has to end like this.”
Pro Bowl semifinals
(Fri May 15)
Caledonia AIA v W Connection, 6 pm, Ato Boldon Stadium;
Central FC v Police FC, 8 pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.
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Hahaha!! Dion i not going there!! Lol
The 2006 World Cup bonus was for qualifying. They wouldn’t have gotten more money for scoring a dozen goals. So they shouldn’t get less for scoring none.
Honestly I don’t think a single other nation promised even as much as 25 percent. But I guess Jack Warner simply didn’t intend to pay and he didn’t care.
Exactly Gordon after they won nothing score no goals they get millions for mediocrity
That’s why I said “technically” Gordon Pierre Even if Mr. Sancho said that, he could force the players hand and push the issue all the way. Notice I said “if”. It’s up to the players now to see how far they’re willing to go and what impetus they are willing to exercise.
Kirwin Weston i disagree!! The soca warriors had nothing in writing as well remember? And they won not so?
Sweet in goat mouth but sour in the bam bam now though, lol. Will love to see how this one unfolds. Hope they resolve before Champions League though.
Nothing in writing and signed/stamped technically = nothing.
No Lasana not micheal townley they can call an insurance salesman from guardian life or sagicor 2 get the same job done
Central had put the Wired868 logo on its fliers one time too. But that was because they asked to use a story from my website for free. So the logo was an acknowledgment.
Ask Vashty Maharaj. We do the same thing from time to time with her magazine. Even Guardian’s Elections page does the same thing with my stories. It is a typical barter system when people can’t come to a financial agreement.
I guess I can see how things can be misconstrued. The best way to find out really is to simply ask.
Nah. Some clubs ask to use photos from Wired868 Earl Mango Pierre. Connection did too and I always helped. It is just that my current deal with my photographer is different and I can’t help Colin Benjamin and Connection in the same way.
Also in Central’s first year, they had an ad on my site for the first six months.
That’s the extent of it. I would be more than happy to take an ad from any other club if they like. 🙂
But, no, I never had a deal with Central that is different to any other club. So I hope I’ve sorted that out. And I’ve learned something myself.
Yeah when the club first started your name was present as one of the sponsors eh so I said to myself how is it meh friend Mr Live Wire suppose to be exposing everybody eh when they are involved in all kind of corruption eh and he is sponsoring someone team eh that will be a conflict in interest so maybe they have since removed it eh. Them really good yes.
Someone just told me to send Michael Townley’s number to the Central FC players!! Hahaha… I’m not saying the situation is similar at all. Or that it isn’t.
But this is definitely ironic.
Really Earl Mango Pierre? Hahahaha. I never realised. Okay. So why the ras you didn’t say that all the time?!
They did ask me before to use some photos from the site and said they would credit me for it. Dunno if that is based on that. I will ask them!
On a serious note its the same thing Jack did promised 50 percent so 50 is 50! The same way some folks was debating gross and net then now the shoe on the other foot the goodly gentleman must show his true substance!!
Lasana Liburd on their fan page on their website they have your name and logo along with their other sponsors so have that since being changed and that is why I am always referring you as one of the sponsors man. that is all.
Sometimes, maybe alot, coaches and owners promise players big bonuses to win a league, a cup etc. It’s of course a good form of motivation but if the promise isn’t honoured expect that chaos will follow. Even though boycotting may hurt the players more, sometimes it’s good to make a stand to get what you’re owed.
What Gordon Pierre talking about
Earl Mango Pierre, do you really believe that I am one of Central FC’s sponsors or have any official or unofficial capacity with the club? If so, then just bring out your proof now.
If you have no proof, then I already answered you on that. So why continue?
Honestly Dion Sosa, I spoke to a couple players and staff members about the bonus. One was adamant that it was made but others said no but that is what they wanted and some were not sure.
I really don’t know that there was a 50 percent offer for certain.
I think that the players and staff should collect the bigger piece of the pie because that was promised to them and the players really trained very hard to be the Champions this season and also because SIS is a million dollar company and they can handle their business and also this will definitely interrupt the players minds and their game and they should stand firm together and send a serious message and don’t play any further until everything is sorted out.
Hahaha!! Nah man uncle do not put my boi sana on that!! He is d last sports reporter!! He just want to keep we on point u know we does buss mark like rain!! Oh mango!! Lol
The players decerve what they were promised if he said 50 percent they have 2 honour their word cause it was the players who trained 4 to 5 days a week and played the games and vranes should get a good bonus also his assistants etc
Right. Now about Central FC. Anyone has any thoughts about what the players should or shouldn’t receive? Or what they think might happen next?
Or how it will affect them for their remaining matches?
Gordon Pierre doh forget Mr. Live Wire have shares in the Central F.C. club to eh being one of the sponsors. 🙂
Hahaha just answer my uncle Sana boi do not get jumpy!!! Was giving the senor officer his due!!
Ok my two corruption exposers Gordon Pierre and Dion Sosa let us keep on the topic eh and don’t cause any more bacchanal for now nah.
Mango that’s where your start bad the man was never no PFA representative in England the man was an insurance salesman who has a english accent who talk big words and chain up them stupid men who sue jack cause they were not 2 bright themselves so a smooth talking white man an say the world is square and they quick 2 follow and give him the world
Guys, don’t forget to actually discuss this issue. Which is some Central FC players and staff asking for a certain cut of prize money and the club board disagreeing.
I think there is an interesting discussion there and that was the point of the article.
And the doc leave bc she saw two face and learn do not mix business with pleasure unless pleasure is your business!! As old ppl say do not mess where u eat!!
Gordon Pierre What I cannot believe is that Kevin Harrison was part of the Players Association in England who was brought to our sweet country to be part of FPATT eh, and now he will be involved with doing these kind of things against his players and not defending them and make certain that they are not exploited, this is very disturbing to me.
Uncle!! Ohh gosh u good yes!! Lol as malcom x said birds coming home to
Roost never made me sad always made me glad!! This is d same gentleman who had d national team looking to strike before theCFU finals last year and the women team up in arms as well now his advisor telling the boys to play and forget it!!
These are the same crooks who wanted Qian Grosvenor to sign a waiver that central fc would not take responsibilty for him if he got hurt on trials but if he get thru they wanted a transfer fee for him wow isn’t that good business transactions
Well I am waiting very patiently to hear why the lady Doctor left the team to yes it seems as though that she found out that she was dealing with some crooks or what ent? Them really good yes.
What they say De Javu when Jack did the same thing in the WC he went and get lawyer DR school teacher a priest 2 say Jack is a crook and a liar and he doing the same thing I have always said he is just as bad as Jack cause at least Jack was straight frwd with his dealings this crook is a hyprocrite
Whey meh friend and them eh when I need them calling Gordon Pierre and Dion Sosa look what is going on nah like more “TRUTH” is starting to be revealed yes and I always taught that it was only meh uncle Jack Warner was the corrupted one eh, no wonder why the FPATT was only founded for one reason it seems and then it stopped functioning. Them really good yes.
And what else is new eh, it was the same thing that the corrupted TTFA did when they said that ALL proceeds was going to Akeem Adams mother’s account from the jerseys that they sold for everybody to attend the game and support eh and what happened after eh, it was a big lie, hence the reason I always tell our players to get whatever is promised to them in writing and Marvin Oliver should really know this for all what I have done over the years defending our players rights but the players again does let their emotions take control of them every time. Them really good yes.
I hope Brent Sancho is not conforming to the ppl he’s consorting with. That will be an unfortunate thing
What?? So busy today after taking a day off to watch European Football yesterday! I’ll get back to this after reading the article.
I’m speaking generally there.
It might be in theory. But it is nothing new for people to have dual posts like that. I don’t think it is avoidable, which is why it is good to know who the various advisors are and what pies their fingers are in.
Do not believe in Karma but…
Whe sah. Talk about do so ain’t like so. He pull a Jack on dem fellas boy?!
Heh.
Is Harrison dual post a conflict of interest?
Wait nah and I just made him the sports minister of my government to be trustworthy, accountable, and transperant…..Them really good yes.
WEYYYY BOIII!!!!!
Trinidadians really sad boy wey sah. Look how happy men is for a club that providing opportunities for men to get paid to play the game they love to fall apart. You have to be a sad little person to be happy that you are “right”. If Central Fall apart I hope them same players will happy to get paid nothing and play in the bush league to pips.
Sosa talking about an English accent fool people yet he was happy to receive a $12,000 check from the same English accent. Why didn’t he tell them to shove they check?
Mango like he cyah come to terms that long time when they use to play for pipe water gone.
Can’t believe grown people who have “T&T” football best “interest” at heart happy and contorting themselves to pat themselves on they back. How sad. This is T&T football and a big reason why we cannot achieve anything substantial or consistent.
There is absolutely no way you can give players 50% of every cup you win. How will the club survive? They should give them 50% and let them train bareback and bare feet next season. NO way a smart man SIS board member promising 50% of $1000000.
Grow up T&T football people grow up.
“Sosa talking about an English accent fool people yet he was happy to receive a $12,000 check from the same English accent. Why didn’t he tell them to shove they check?”
That check didn’t come from no “English accent”… that check came from donations made by members of Socawarriors.net. Kevin Harrison only facilitated the handing over. The way the photo is captioned is misleading and misplaces credit for the donation to Akeem’s fund.
And what has this thought us? Never play football for no politician side just like jack they never keep their promises
“tax(payers’) money” that is.
Yesterday (promises) is yesterday (promises). Today is today. With any luck maybe he’ll get Tantie Kams to payoff Central’s players with tax money as well.