A decision by the Tobago Football Association (TFA) to scrap the National Gas Company (NGC) National Super League was shot down at Saturday’s Extraordinary General Meeting of the T&T Football Association (TTFA). There was no voting on the idea but Super League clubs are expecting that their voice will be heard.
The TFA in a lengthy document, proposed a Champions League or an Inter Zone competition to replace the League as it believes it will allow the growth and development of the game at the zones by maintaining the top clubs while still enabling players to be scouted by professional clubs and national selectors.
Some of the objectives for the Champions League include; promoting and heightening inter-Association club competition without directly removing the club from the respective Regional Associations; providing an avenue for the development of the sport that will have a direct impact on the game at the regional level; providing additional incentives annually for clubs competing at the regional level, by clubs having to qualify yearly; providing an avenue for clubs to gain revenue and; reducing direct and indirect costs endured by clubs campaigning in the NSL.
In its proposal the TFA explained the format of the Champions League will capture the interest of spectators worldwide and given the geographical divide of the regional bodies, it will hold the interest of regional players and spectators.
They are suggesting the format follow the general structure of the UEFA champion’s league but with 24 clubs from six zones with no region having more than four teams. The TFA is also suggesting that qualification for this tournament be determined by the T&C committee of the TTFA.
They recommend that the CL be held in a round robin format with six groups of four teams where each team will play one another on a home and away basis with the top two advancing.
The Inter Zone will also be a round robin play-off to satisfy objectives such as providing a higher level of football for the best players in the regions; bridging the gap between regional football, pro-League and/or national teams; providing national selectors with an opportunity to view top regional players and increasing inter-zone rivalry at every level.
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