Local fans will get a chance to see their “Soca Warriors” in action before the 2006 World Cup in Germany when it plays a farewell international match against South Americans Peru on May 10 in Port of Spain.
This was one of several developments confirmed by the TTFF following a meeting with involving Fifteen players and their representatives along with TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner, General Secretary Richard Groden and team manager Bruce Aanensen at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, London on Sunday.
"It was a meeting well worth the trip. The fact that we could do this in a location suitable to both sides says a lot and at the end of it, all of us could stand in the same room in agreement of the conditions that were up for discussion," Warner told TTFF Media.
The topics of discussion were wide ranging and included bonus and other payments to players, preparations for the team’s participation in the World Cup and additional players to the squad.
While several other players were in the meeting, the players taking the leading roles were Shaka Hislop, Brent Sancho, Kelvin Jack, Marvin Andrews, Stern John and Dennis Lawrence. Hislop, in taking main lead role, apologized for the absence of team captain Dwight Yorke and midfielder Russell Latapy, but he assured all that both players, especially Yorke were kept abreast of the all the discussions that were taking place and giving his own input for consideration. A couple home-based players in Aurtis Whitley and Cyd Gray were also in the meeting.
It was also revealed that T&T’s first international warm up since the 1-0 win over Bahrain will be played against Iceland on February 28 in London.
The topic grabbing the most attention was that of bonus payments for qualifications and the players, though satisfied by what was put on the table by Warner and the TTFF, expressed some concern over the Government’s no-show in that regard. - The players asked that the Government honour their commitment to give bonuses and other rewards that were promised to the players upon qualification. They were very adamant on the issue and were quite concerned that any payments or gifts promised to them would be based on a meeting between their Captain Dwight Yorke and Prime Minister Patrick Manning. The TTFF contingent advised that the most they could do was to convey their sentiments to Mr. Manning.
Following lengthy and amicable discussions, the following areas were finalized.
(A) Bonus Payments - A sum of US$1,636,357.00 would be paid to players as part of the bonus payment for qualification. A team comprising of Bruce Aanensen, players and players representatives will work how this will be allocated. Aanensen remained in London for one day more to again meet with the players' representatives in an effort to finalise the apportionment of the said funds; The bonus to be paid out in the event of qualification to the second round of the WC Finals; Bonus payments for playing upcoming international friendlies.
It was also agreed that the TTFF would make its best efforts to facilitate the players’ families in getting the opportunity to witness the Soca Warriors World Cup matches in Germany.
(B) Match Schedule
The schedule of training and practice matches as decided by head coach Leo Beenhakker was presented to the players. It was agreed that the first practice match would be played vs the Iceland National Team in London on February 28 2006.
On May 10 a farewell match at home vs Peru will also be played, followed by a paid farewell dinner on May 11. On May 13th the team will depart T&T for Manchester for the first of several camps before Germany in June. The Manchester camp from 14 - 21 May will be at the De Vere Carden Park, a training venue of the England National Team.
From England, the team travels to Austria, where they will based up to June 3. During that time several matches against a top club and international teams will be played, the details of which are still to be finalized
From June 4 the team will then journey to Bremen, Germany to take up base for the World Cup .
There were also other areas discussed on Sunday. Prior to the meeting with the players, West Ham United striker Bobby Zamora met with Warner and, following some discussions with him as well as with the FIFA, the player Bobby was advised that he is not eligible to play for Trinidad and Tobago, having represented England on at least four (4) occasions, and not having utilised the one year window when a reversal of his status could have been possible. A distraught Zamora, whose father hails from Carenage, then thanked Warner for having met with him and trying to assist in the matter.
Anthony Warner, however, Fulham's new goalkeeper , whose father is from San Juan, Trinidad, is eligible to play and therefore the necessary paperwork to ensure that he plays on February 28th vs Iceland is now vigourously being pursued. Warner came to the hotel and met with several of the players. His enthusiasm to join the team could not be contained.
It was also decided that Berry who already represents several of the team players was officially appointed as the TTFF’s consultant for International Affairs with specific reference to football in England and Europe. His appointment was well-received by all of the players.
Warner and Groden also met with several tour operators in London, all of whom have requested tickets for English fans to witness the Soca Warriors games at the World Cup. They were assured that urgent consideration would be given to their request and that a response would be forthcoming in 7 -10 days time.
Following the discussions, a lively cocktail reception involving players, their representatives, TTFF officials and other friends and well-wishers was held.