The owners of T&T Pro League clubs have proposed that a salary cap be introduced for the 2011 season. The new season will run from August 2011 to May 2012, the same period as the major leagues in Europe.
"The clubs have wholly embraced the change in season," W Connection owner David John Williams said. "The owners met and discussed a lot of pressing issues. Discussions are ongoing and some we will not make public. But, one of the things we would very much like to see is a salary cap. We also agreed that community grounds are a must for the survival of the league."
Meanwhile, Digicel T&T Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene has commended the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, and Minister Anil Roberts, for recognising and appreciating that the Pro League is pioneering a new industry and business sector in the domestic economy.
"Over the years our discussions with Government have always been premised on the basis of investing and supporting a new business sector—professional sport and sport tourism.
"I am encouraged that the change in government did not have a negative implication for the Pro League's dream and vision of establishing and developing a professional sport sector. Football is the pioneer, the flagship. Other sports, in time, can build on football's success," the Pro League CEO declared.
"If a professional football league cannot survive and thrive, then the dream of a sport tourism and business sector is unrealistic. I remain convinced that it is a realistic aspiration.
"The competitiveness in the league has improved. Last season, Defence Force returned to the top of local football by winning the Digicel Pro League championship, Caledonia AIA of Morvant/Laventille finished in its best-ever position in runner-up, and both qualified for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship.
"In the knockout competitions," Skeene continued, "DIRECTV North East Stars, returning to the fold after a season's absence, won the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield and reached two other finals, while Joe Public picked up two titles in the First Citizens Cup and Digicel Pro Bowl, Ma Pau SC the Toyota Classic, and San Juan Jabloteh the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association FA Trophy."