Teams taking part in the T&T Pro League can breathe easily following the news that the Government, through the Sport Company of T&T, has come to their rescue. Chairman of the Sport Company Michael Phillips revealed yesterday that payments of subventions to clubs would be made over the next few days.
His statement came as a major relief after clubs representatives told the media that they could not survive without the subventions, which are given to them to help off set costs of salaries. Subventions of $83,000 are given to eight clubs in the TT Pro League as well as an additional sum for the overall management of the pro league office etc, but these subventions have not been paid for the past three months and clubs told the media if it did not come by the end of this month, it could not go on.
Cheques are in the process of being prepared for distribution to the various clubs, Phillips said, but he explained the company will hold talks with Pro League officials with respect to the future.
He said there were no cuts in subventions, but hinted that the company could not continue the way it has been operating, in light of the economic situation in the country. “At this point, I cannot tell you what will happen, but I can tell you that we will definitely be speaking with the Pro League and other sporting organisations to find a way forward. It is crucial that we hold discussions with the various sporting organisations first before we go to the media,” Phillips said.
Asked if there will be cuts to the subventions in the future, Phillips said he does not know. “Remember the pro league is not the only organisation we will be assisting financially and we do not want to appear as though we are favouring them, so let’s wait and see,” Phillips added.
Only Defence Force and Police from the eight clubs do not receive subventions. Central FC, W Connection, North East Stars, San Juan Jabloteh, Caledonia United, Point Fortin Civic Centre, Club Sando and St Ann’s Rangers are all heavily dependent on it to carry out their programmes.
Point Fortin coach Leroy Deleon recently explained that some of his players had already began looking for jobs. Richard Fakoory, owner of Rangers, one of the clubs hard-hit by the non-payment, said if cuts were made, he will have to find ways to generate additional income.
He told the Guardian he is grateful to the Government for assistance but he did not even want to think about that at present. “Whatever happens, I will deal with it in the new year. Right now I am just enjoying the end of this year and will see about any problems next year,” Fakoory said.
Chief executive officer of the Pro League Dexter Skeene said he was unaware that payments were going to be made since he has been out of the country on holidays.