The T&T Football Association should expect a response to their requests from former Minister of Sport Brent Sancho and his special advisor, Englishman Kevin Harrison to clarify some allegation levied at them by today’s deadline through their lawyers.
In separate letters addressed to both men on Thursday September 10, 2015, the TTFA stated: As a member of Concacaf and in keeping with its regulatory obligations and responsibilities it was requesting written statements from both individuals or their appointed representative to addressing a number of allegations for the purpose of providing a forum to clarify and inform the TTFA in determining whether further action is warranted.
In the letters, which were worded the same but addressed individually to both men, the T&TFA asked that the allegations of a request for personal payments made in conjunction with the transfer of T&T international Rundell Winchester to Belgium lower league club, CS Visé be clarified.
The T&TFA asked that the duo address the allegations, specifically the email transmission dated August 27, 2014 which was sent to Steve Davies that made a request for personal payment and that he (Harrison) please describe the purpose for the “personal payment” as stated in the aforementioned email.
Another topic the Raymond Tim Kee led T&TFA requested information on was the allegations of non-payment of player bonuses at Central FC, which won a record seven titles locally last year, including its first ever Pro League title.
The T&TFF issued letter noted that complaints have been fielded by the TTFA from Central FC players surrounding alleged withholding of promised bonus earnings connected to the 2014/15 Pro League season and Concacaf Champions League Tournament.
In addition, Harrison is being asked to explain why the Concacaf funds meant for Central FC was deposited into a personal account after Concacaf in an official statement rebuffed claims of administrative error on its part regarding a deposit of $40,000 in an account by Brent Sancho that was allegedly directed by Kevin Harrison.
The T&TFF went to the add: “Would you please explain whether you were aware the Concacaf funds were deposited to your personal account and the reason(s) for directing the funds to your personal account?”
And finally, with regards to the acquisition of teenager Levi Garcia, the T&TFA noted that Central FC acquired his rights through the execution of a player agreement at a time when Garcia was below the age of consent and this must also be explained. A former standout at Shiva Boys Hindu College, Garcia was signed by Dutch club AZ Alkmaar last earlier this year, but questions are being raised with regards to the signing of the deal and whether the T&T youth player was properly represented.
In closing the letter to Harrison and Sancho, the T&TFA said in the event these issues are borne from mis-understanding or misrepresentation of rules, it believes his response can greatly assist in establishing such a finding. Contacted yesterday, Harrison said: “Both Brent Sancho and I will not be making any responses on our own as we have left the matter in the hands of our lawyer, attorney-at-law Robert Vincent Charles.”
Harrison added: “I would imagine that with tomorrow (today) being the deadline he will provide the T&TFA with our response, because there have been a lot written so far and a lot of times when someone makes a response via the media they are misquoted, so we are taking the safe and right method in going through our lawyers.”
Reached on the matter Charles did confirm being in possession of the T&TFA’s letter but made it clear that the matter was a private one and decided against stating his or his client’s intention. Reached for comment, Sheldon Phillips, general secretary, who signed off on the letter sent to the duo by the T&TFA confirmed he had not received any response up to yesterday.
Asked what would be the next step if no response was forthcoming, Phillips, the son for former national goalkeeper, Lincoln Phillips said the matter would then be forwarded to the T&TFA Executive Committee headed by president Raymond Tim Kee to be discussed.
With regards to the decision by most of the current Central FC players to sign a petition that he along with Sancho stay away from the managerial dealings of the club due to the recent allegations hanging over the heads, Harrison replied, “The players should all be reminded that technically I’m still a member of the club’s board, and that matter is also in the hands of my lawyers.”