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Fri, Apr

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A delegation from FIFA, the world governing body of football, was scheduled to arrive in the country last night.
The team will be conducting an eight-day inspection tour of this country to assess Trinidad and Tobago's ability to host Under-17 Women's World Cup in 2010.

During their visit, the eight-member team will be paying a courtesy call on prime minister Patrick Manning at the PM's official residence in St. Ann's on March 2.

The FIFA officials will also be paying a visit to sports minister Gary Hunt on Friday.

TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner says FIFA will be sending several delegations to this country over the next two years.

"This is the first of many visits by FIFA. As we prepare to host the World Cup, the world's governing body of football, will be monitoring our progress closely. In 2001 Trinidad and Tobago successful hosted an U-17 World Cup. Several facilities were constructed specifically for the hosting of the Under 17 World Cup in 2001. While I am confident we can do it again, FIFA has changed many of its rules and policies governing the hosting of any competition."

The TTFF Special Advisor says this delegation will be concentrating on two aspects of the preparatory activities.

"The FIFA delegation will be visiting six stadia and eight hotels while in the country."

These stadia are the Manny Ramjohn, Ato Boldon , Larry Gomes , Hasely Crawford, Manny Ramjohn and the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago.

On Saturday Warner and Sports Minister Gary Hunt toured the Hasely Crawford Stadium to assess the damage caused to the playing field by recent Carnival events.

During Saturday's visit Warner expressed his concerns over the state of the playing field of the Stadium.

"The Minister has assured me that they will be working around the clock to restore the playing field. However the FIFA delegation will be inspecting the facility on Thursday 26th February at 3 pm, from what I have seen I am not sure how much work can be completed before Thursday. I am not looking forward to their report on the Stadium."

The TTFF and FIFA will be hosting a joint press conference on Monday at the Hyatt Hotel upon completion of the inspection visit.