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The Robert Hadad-led normalisation committee has promised to ‘improve on the communication channels between the TTFA and its membership’, after representatives that comprise half of the local football body complained to Fifa about Hadad’s stewardship.
The 14-page letter from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) members, written by Eastern FA president Kieron Edwards and signed by seven other member delegates, accused Hadad of gross mismanagement and creating ‘a breeding ground for mismanagement and fraud’.
(Copyright AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
The letter was sent to Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura as well as Hadad and normalisation committee members Judy Daniel, Nigel L Romano, and Trevor Nicholas Gomez. It was also published in Wired868.
The normalisation committee, in a break from the norm, responded via a prompt press statement which vowed to address the issues raised ‘directly this week’ and suggested that ‘Fifa and Concacaf continue to guide this process’.
The press statement also claimed that some of the statements made by members were ‘inaccurate and based on assumptions’. The letter to Fifa spoke in detail about the contract given to Men’s National Senior Team head coach Terry Fenwick as well as the Englishman’s behaviour at the post.
Fenwick’s contract was approved by former TTFA president William Wallace and not Hadad. However, Hadad was criticised for not challenging controversial terms in the deal or holding the Soca Warriors coach accountable for his actions.
Notably, Edwards’ letter went much further as he said Hadad, the co-CEO of the Hadad Group, is mismanaging the TTFA and made special mention of his failure to appoint standing committees—including those meant to oversee his financial stewardship—or account for his management to the membership.
The normalisation committee did not directly address the accusations. It did complain, though, that the publication of the letter was ‘unfortunate’.
“It is however unfortunate that this letter, which was sent internally, has found its way into the media space,” stated the normalisation committee. “Trust between the TTFA and its membership is paramount to developing this strong relationship and we believe that by working together earnestly, it can be achieved.”
Ironically, Hadad, in particular, has been described as dishonest in his leadership of local football by Wired868, anonymous national football players, and Jefferson George, president of the National Football Coaches of Trinidad and Tobago (NFCTT).
Hadad was appointed head of Fifa’s normalisation committee in Trinidad and Tobago on 27 March 2020.
(Copyright Gary Jordan Photography ©2017)
(Full response from the normalisation committee)
The normalisation committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has received a letter from TTFA Members on 1 May 2021. We understand the concerns of the TTFA Members and will be addressing those issues with the membership directly this week.
The normalisation process was fully allowed to function as of November 2020 and the process for any Member Association is difficult and challenging. Fifa and Concacaf continue to guide this process as we work towards resurrecting football out of its doldrums, which has been made more complicated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
It must be noted that many details outlined in the document are inaccurate and based on assumptions. We will endeavour to improve on the communication channels between the TTFA and its membership so that the members are provided with accurate sources of information on these matters, with the aim of fostering a stronger relationship between all parties.
It is however unfortunate that this letter, which was sent internally, has found its way into the media space. Trust between the TTFA and its membership is paramount to developing this strong relationship and we believe that by working together earnestly, it can be achieved.
Editor’s Note: Click HERE to read the full letter by Eastern FA president Kieron Edwards.
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