Clubs refuse to free Warriors

It is a major disappoitment for newly appointed national team coach Wim Rijsbergen who has seen his charges play only one international— against Japan in Tokyo earlier this month.

And that team was missing most of the overseas stars who had rejoined their clubs in preparation for the new football season.

Rijsbergen was hoping to have a full slate of players for matches against Mexico on September 2 and Colombia on September 6 in Port-of-Spain.

Invitations were sent out to the overseas professionals but Rijsbergen and the TT Football federation informed that several of the clubs were unwilling to release the players for the matches.

The players were denied permission to represent their country despite the fact that the matches fall on FIFA sanctioned international dates.

The clubs playing outside of the English Premiership claimed that they are still engaged in competitive matches.

“The truth is that the majority of players who have been called up to represent Trinidad and Tobago have asked to be excused. Their clubs have advised them of their reluctance to release them in spite of the fact that the two dates are FIFA approved dates on the International match calendar,” Special Advisor to the TTFF Jack Warner said yesterday.

“In the circumstances, we had no alternative but to cancel the two matches against Mexico and Colombia and to formally advise the FIFA about the situation,” he said.

Fixtures for the clubs of which TT players are affiliated show that in the Championship Division neither Stern John, Chris Birchall, Kenwyne Jones and Carlos Edwards have matches on the dates of the international friendlies. Their matches are on August 28 and September 9.

Hector Sam’s Port Vale plays on August 26 and September 23; and Brent Sancho and Ian Cox’s Gillingham play on August 26 and September 9.

Kelvin Jack confirmed that he has gone into rehabilitation and will be out for several weeks while Dwight Yorke is now returning from a groin strain injury and is expected to be in action on September 2 for his Sydney FC.

Jason Scotland’s St Johnstone plays in Scotland on August 26 and then not again until September 9, the same for Collin Samuel and Dundee.

Atiba Charles also left on Thursday to take up a one-year contract with Irish Premier Division club Glenavon after obtaining his work permit.

Clayton Ince’s Walsall plays on September 2 as well.

LA Galaxy’s Cornell Glen also suffered a strained left knee and went off in the 37th minute of his team’s 2-0 win over Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.

The match versus Japan was used with only five players from the World Cup squad but Rijsbergen wanted to use a full strength team against Mexico and Colombia.

The match would have served as warm-ups for upcoming Digicel Caribbean Cup Finals and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Alternative plans are being made to have the Soca Warriors together for matches in October.