Trinidad and Tobago’s FIFA Vice President Jack Warner was awarded one of Peru’s Highest Honours, the “Inca de Oro” at a Gala Closing Dinner for his efforts in the 2005 FIFA Under 17 World Championship held in that country.
Warner had been in Trinidad up until Saturday where he campaigned with the United National Congress for its executive elections before flying back to Peru on a private FIFA jet out of the Piarco International Airport in order to arrive in time for the closing dinner.
There he was in the company of FIFA President Sepp Blatter and other top Peruvian Government officials as well as Miss World/Peru Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia.
The CONCACAF President was also praised for being instrumental in approving the Iquitos, a town in the Amazon Jungle, as host for three matches in the World Championship.
“The tournament was indeed a success and to the people of Peru it was a dream come true for them to be able to witness such an event in their own eyes. I am of course extremely grateful for the way in which they have expressed their gratitude towards me and FIFA in placing their highest honour upon me,” Warner stated.
Later on Sunday, Warner along with other FIFA officials also witnessed the grand final between Mexico, the first CONCACAF team to reach the final of a FIFA World Cup event, and Brazil.
Before leaving for Peru, Warner also closed the English International FA coaching license course at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence as well as helped arranged the charter flight for fans to witness T&T’s 2006 World Cup qualifier against Panama on Saturday in Panama City.