FIFA put stamp on German visas

In a letter to the TTFF’s General Secretary Richard Groden, FIFA congratulated and welcomed Trinidad and Tobago footballers on their qualification after they beat Bahrain on Wednesday to clinch a two-match play-off.

In reading out the letter yesterday, Warner added that FIFA has also acknowledged the appeal of Bahrain for a goal which was ruled out by the referee.

Trinidad and Tobago defeated the Bahrainis 1-0 courtesy a 48th minute header by lanky defender Dennis Lawrence. But the Bahrainis claimed an equaliser after the ball was kicked out of the hands of goalkeeper Kelvin Jack and into the net.

Warner said yesterday that FIFA has responded to the protest in a prompt manner.

According to Warner, the win means that Trinidad and Tobago has made history by being the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup finals. He said the tournament will be a learning experience for many.

Warner also announced that the name of the Trinidad and Tobago football team has reverted to "Soca Warriors" instead of "Warriors." He said that they did not want to carry "Soca" because it was felt that it signalled "a party attitude."

He said the name "Warriors" has been rejected by the world governing body for football, who themselves refer to the TT team as "Soca Warriors."