Better pay for Soca Warriors

FOOTBALLERS  representing Trinidad and Tobago at this year’s Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers will receive a minimum of US $150 (TT$945) per match.

According to an agreement reached between the players and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, the minimum fee will be paid to players with up to 10 caps, while the maximum of US $700 (TT$4,410) will be afforded those with 100 and over caps. But the fees will only be paid to players after selection of teams, starting on March 26, when Trinidad and Tobago play Antigua/Barbuda at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, mucurapo in a Gold Cup qualifier. A 19-player contingent withdrew from the national squad on the eve of an international friendly against Finland in January this year, citing poor playing  conditions.

The players will also be insured against loss of earnings through injury sustained while representing TT and at training sessions. Players will be handed written contracts before international friendlies, Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying matches. Selected players will be notified through their clubs and they will receive four match tickets per player for covered stands. For friendly internationals  players will get six tickets for the covered stand area. The agreement also includes players getting a weekly travel allowance by taxi from the players’ official residence, compiled according to attendance at  training sessions. Players residing in Tobago will be provided with at least one return airfare per week. Meals, snacks, potable water and sport drinks will be provided at all times, but this is dependent on the duration and timing of the training sessions.

Breakdown of the fees for international matches:
0-10 caps — US$150 (TT$945);  10-25 caps — US$200 (TT$1,260);
26-75 caps — US$400 (TT$2,520); 76-100 caps — US$60 (TT$3,780);
Over 100 caps — US$700 (TT$4,410)