Samba X-tra Malt East San Juan win appeal

SAMBA Xtra Malt East San Juan United have won the right to contest the series for promotion to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation National Super League. The Eastern Football Association champions were originally left out in the cold by the TTFF. The team had lodged an appeal on February 12 against the Tournaments and Fixtures Committee to eliminate them. And the Appeals Committee comprising FIFA vice-president and ex-EFA boss Jack Warner, attorney Om Lalla and Peter Stone saw merit in the East San Juan appeal and decided in their favour.

The appeal was heard on three days, February 18, 19 and 20 with representations being made on behalf of East San Juan by coach Keith Jeffrey, manager John Martin, and spiritual advisor Don Braithwaite. Also appearing were EFA president Lennox Watson and secretary Neville Ferguson, both members of the Tournaments and Fixtures Committee. After hearing both East San Juan and the TTFF Tournament and Fixtures Committee and considering regulations for the conduct of the NSL, it was found that East San Juan were eligible for promotion. The Appeals Tribunal directed that they may be promoted subject to satisfying the following criteria — a known history; standings in present association; home base; club structure and venue.