Warner: FIFA $$ by September

Warner was speaking in an interview with WMJX 100.5 FM Radio yesterday from Germany where he reiterated his call for a minimum of US$15 million to fund the team’s preparations ahead of the Finals from June 2.

On Tuesday, the sport’s governing body FIFA announced that the 32 participants will be guaranteed at least ?2.25 million (TT$24,750,000) in appearance fee while the national associations of the teams will pocket ?350,000 (TT$3,850,000) before the tournament to cover preparation costs.

But Warner, who also serves as FIFA vice-president, revealed that the appearance fee will not be paid to the various associations until September, hence the need for Government and the corporate sector to assist the TT team.

Warner asked, "Are you telling me that the Trinidad and Tobago team must not train properly or focus properly until September?" He countered that he would not be willing to beg FIFA for any financial aid, especially as he funded most of the team’s needs during the qualification stages.

The long-standing administrator wondered, "Why it is that we always begin at the lowest level? Why?

"I’m disappointed, particularly by the people who (speak) this nonsense," he continued. "Thirty-two countries have qualified. We were the last to qualify. And why are we thinking so low?" he said on WMJX 100.5 FM yesterday.

Warner emphasised that a certain percentage of the money will be distributed amongst the players and the rest would be used for the development of local football.