New clubs FC South End, Marabella Flames, 1976 FC Phoenix and Bertile St Clair Coaching School all vying for a place in the TT Pro League for the 2009 season have been awarded one more week to fulfill requirements to be met before being accepted by the professional league.
"The board of directors have given FC South End and Marabella Flames one week in which to provide documentary evidence and fulfil certain criteria in terms of their incorporation documents."
"In terms of (1976 FC)Phoenix and (Bertile)St Clair there are certain financial criteria to be fulfilled. Also there is the factor of the cost of travel between Trinidad and Tobago which is phenomenal."
According to Skeene the League will make overtures to the Tobago House of Assembly to discuss whether an arrangement can be made to assist with the travel budget for the Tobago based clubs within the League.
Following the board meeting it was revealed that Police FC have been accepted back into the League after missing last season.
Financially troubled clubs CLICO San Juan Jabloteh, Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA and St Ann's Rangers have all assured their participation in the 2009 season along with W Connection, Joe Public, Defence Force, Ma Pau SC, United Petrotrin and Tobago United.
Meantime the League will be minus North East Stars for the 2009 season after owner/manager Darryl Mahabir pulled out to consolidation his financial situation and because of a dilapidated recreation ground at the Sangre Grande Recreation Ground—the place they call home. However the Stars owner confirmed that he will be returning for the 2010 season. The 2009 season is expected to kick off on April 3rd with an expected roster of 14 clubs.