Acting President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation Lennox Watson, on Thursday, addressed the media on the latest action against the local governing body prompted by a ruling of the High Court, following a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Federation which lasted for just under two hours at the Harvard Sports Club, St James.
Watson stated categorically that the Federation, though not in smooth sailing, would continue to run the operations of local football, particularly as it pertains to the participation of National Teams on the international stage.
Watson was quizzed by the media, responding to some of the questions. He indicated that there was no recent contact from the FIFA regarding the latest development. He also stated that no moves were being initiated to remove any member of the TTFF staff from its technical to administrative department.
Marketing chief of the TTFF Anthony Harford also addressed the media following Watson’s statement and Q&A. Harford did not withhold any particular information and responded to a previous question by the media about the ownership of the property at which the TTFF’s head office is based on Dundonald Street, Port of Spain. Harford’s response that was the property belonged to Jack Warner and the TTFF had been renting the premises.
Harford also stated that he was already in communication with some of the TTFF’s current and future sponsors on the matter, bringing them up to scratch. He added that there were sponsors who had already pledged support and intentions to come on board with the TTFF to support programs that had been outlined since last year.
Harford also said, that in his capacity as an official attached to the TTFF, that he had been in discussions with members of the 2006 World Cup squad as well as had been holding discussions regarding outstanding monies being owed to former national coach Russell Latapy and others.
He indicated that he did in fact speak to Brent Sancho on Wednesday, adding that the players were exercising their legal rights. Harford mentioned that he has been involved in efforts to raise the necessary funds, not just to meet outstanding payments but also to facilitate football related programs for the TTFF.
The T&T Under 23 Men’s team departs for Tobago on Sunday for a one-week training camp where they will play two matches including one against Guyana on Thursday at the Dwight Yorke Stadium.
The T&T Under 17 Women’s team also goes into a training camp this weekend while the Senior Men’s team will travel to Antigua/Barbuda for an international friendly on February 29th.
The Men’s Olympic team will also travel to Costa Rica and Orlando for training camps ahead of the CONCACAF Final Olympic qualifying round in March. Other development programs organized by technical director Anton Corneal will also go on as scheduled.