AMIDST a row over money, members of the Soca Warriors yesterday announced their retirement from international football after representing Trinidad and Tobago two more times-today's friendly against St Vincent and the Grenadines and Wednesday's match with Panama.
Just prior to yesterday's 5.30 p.m. training session at the same venue, captain Dwight Yorke read a prepared statement, which said: "We, the players of the National Team that participated in the World Cup 2006, would like to announce our consideration to retire from international football immediately after our next two games.
"We all recognise the fact that eventual retirement must come to us all, but certainly didn't anticipate this decision, especially following so hotly on the heels of what has been our proudest and most memorable achievements in the game this summer."
Standing in solidarity with their captain were Dennis Lawrence (Swansea), David Atiba Charles (Glenavon), Avery John (New England Revolution), Chris Birchall (Coventry City), Carlos Edwards (Watford FC), Colin Samuel (Dundee United), Stern John (Coventry City), Kenwyne Jones (Southampton), Jason Scotland (St Johnston), Brent Sancho (Gilliangham) and Cornell Glen (LA Galaxy).
"Prior to our qualification for the World Cup, we entered into negotiations with representatives of the TTFF regarding a number of different aspects of our own performances, behaviour and representation of our beloved country. Issues we felt we upheld and delivered on," Yorke read.
"It was recently revealed to us that very disappointedly, the TTFF did not feel the need to deliver on their promises and contractual obligations. Following Government's promise to reimburse the TTFF for all their expenses incurred during this historic achievement, it makes the TTFF's stand even more confusing... This all comes at a time when we feel we should be building for the future with our eyes firmly on South Africa 2010."
Following the statement, Yorke left with his teammates, refusing to answer questions. However, rasta-haired defender Brent Sancho had a few words before stating that more would be revealed following the Panama match.
"It's not just monetary. They have made certain contractual arrangements which they have now reneged on," he said.
Caught unawares by the latest development, TTFF general secretary Richard Groden released a statement, saying the federation was mortified by developments that occurred.
"The main issue, as we understand it from third parties, involves returns to players from sponsorship deals sourced solely by the TTFF and which, by agreement of their representatives, are available for detailed viewing," Groden said.
"Such an exercise had already been agreed for Monday, October 9, long before we learnt of their plan to withdraw from tomorrow's game. Quite naturally, we are appropriately embarrassed by this turn of events and particularly from players whose interests we have sought and defended on a continuing basis.
"The mere idea of going public, in the interim between our discussions and the agreed date for reviewing the sponsorship contracts, indicates less than honourable motives and, in terms of this development, we are especially disappointed. If by noon tomorrow, the Soca Warriors as we know them do not renege on their current confrontational posture, the TTFF will advise football fans of a matrix of alternatives, including terms and conditions of ticket purchase that may be reviewed in the still-evolving circumstances."
Meanwhile, a letter addressed to TTFF advisor Jack Warner, coming from accountant Kenny Rampersad, suggested that of approximately $13 million of sponsorship money raised during the campaign, a third, or $4,425,100, was diverted to kick off the 2010 World Cup campaign.
Rampersad's letter to Warner states: "In particular, we have estimated the costs for hotel accommodation and players' fees and allowances, which we understand were paid by you. In addition, since many of the sponsors contributed to both the Germany campaign as well as South Africa 2010, the sponsorship income was treated in the following manner, two thirds for the Germany campaign and one third for the South Africa campaign, as determined by The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation."