Former TTFA president and W Connection owner, David John-Williams, passes away

Former Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams passed away this morning. He was believed to have been ailing for some time.

A businessman and contractor by trade, John-Williams burst on the domestic football scene in 1999 as owner of the W Connection Football Club which successfully applied to join the just formed TT Pro League.

Photo: W Connection owner David John-Williams (second from left), coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier (centre) and defender Joel Russell (far left) say a prayer of thanks after securing the 2013/14 Pro League trophy with a 4-1 win over Defence Force at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on 6 May 2014.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/ Wired868)

Connection went on to become the most feted Trinidad and Tobago club team of this millennium, with five Pro League titles, five Caribbean Cup honours, four FA Cup trophies, and another 20 knockout trophies.

The “Savonetta Boys”, with a distinct eye-catching style of play, fielded a host of crowd favourites over the years including Earl Jean, Arnold Dwarika, Gefferson Goulart, Aurtis Whitley, Andre Toussaint, and the late Shahdon Winchester.


John-Williams was elected TTFA president in 2015 and served a full term until 2019, although his period at the helm produced less impressive results on the field and was mired in controversy—over issues related to transparency and the construction of the TTFA Home of Football.

He was involved in a string of court cases at the time of his passing, including a libel matter against Wired868.

Photo: Late former TTFA president David John-Williams.
(via Concacaf)

Throughout, his enthusiasm for football was unabated and infectious and he was affectionately referred to as “Presi” by Connection staff and players.

John-Williams’ was the first Caribbean football official to declare his support for current Fifa president Gianni Infantino in 2016 and the pair shared a strong relationship throughout his term.

The Trinidadian also served on the Fifa Players Status Committee from 2017.

The TTFA and the Board and Management of the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago expressed deep condolences to John-Williams’ family and friends and noted his “genuine passion and dedication to the growth of the game” as well as his “contributions and commitment over the last decades”.

Photo: Fifa president Gianni Infantino (right) and then TTFA president David John-Williams at a press conference at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on 10 April 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/ Wired868)

“David’s passion for and knowledge of the game will be well remembered,” said Fifa-appointed normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”

More from Wired868
“He will elevate T&T football!” TTFA announces Yorke as new Soca Warriors head coach

Dwight Yorke, Trinidad and Tobago’s most celebrated footballer of all time, is the new head coach of the Trinidad and Read more

“Vibes real low right now!” Warriors ponder strike over unpaid money from TTFA

French Guiana are not the only obstacles to success for the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team tonight, as Read more

Eve’s exit clause, Boyce’s mysterious appointment and a ‘ghost’ youth team

Outgoing Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve had another 17 months left on his contract Read more

TTFA appoints King as caretaker coach; ex-assistant will lead Warriors into Nations League

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has appointed Derek King as “caretaker coach” of the Men’s National Senior Team. Read more

Boyce, Benedict’s and ex-Central coach, gets T&T U-20 post—two years before tournament

St Benedict’s College coach Randolph ‘Balo’ Boyce has been selected as the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-20 Team head Read more

Dear Editor: Sacking Angus Eve makes no sense—what has he done to deserve that?

“[…] Coaches who don’t get their team to perform should face the sack. Angus Eve just managed a 7-1 victory Read more

Check Also

“He will elevate T&T football!” TTFA announces Yorke as new Soca Warriors head coach

Dwight Yorke, Trinidad and Tobago’s most celebrated footballer of all time, is the new head …

2 comments

  1. God don’t sleep the old saying goes

  2. W Connection was the only club to have played in every year of the Pro-League.David was truly committed. He also greatly supported Naparima College, our Alma Mater, in football and served as President of the Old Boys Association.
    RIP, David.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.