The Trinidad and Tobago national football team are preparing for an unprecedented $13 million bonus as reward for taking the country to its first World Cup finals.
Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) president Oliver Camps said that the Local Organising Committee (LOC) had not finalised the players' reward for qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, which will be held in Germany from next June.
However, two players, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the T&TFF promised the Soca Warriors half of the FIFA payout for qualifying for the tournament.
A release from FIFA yesterday indicated that each country will be given 2.6 million pounds (TT$26 million) for appearing in the showcase competition.
Both players said they would be happy if the Trinidad and Tobago government matched the T&TFF's offer.
"I am not saying what they should give us because we are not greedy," said one national player. "But I think they should at least match what the T&TFF gave us and add a house too. We definitely won't try to twist their arm, though, and we are open for them to talk to us."
Prime Minister Patrick Manning said he would ask team captain Dwight Yorke to negotiate State gifts on behalf of the team. However, the players explained that all team decisions have been settled by the Players Committee rather than just one individual throughout the campaign . They would like to keep this system in place and hope the authority of the Players Committee will not be usurped.
A source close to Sport Minister Roger Boynes indicated that the players need not worry.
"We understand that the Prime Minister, who is steering this process, is leaning towards total consultation with the team members before arriving at a decision," said the Sport Ministry source.
The Players Committee, who negotiated match fees, bonuses and image rights for the squad throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign, comprises of Glasgow Rangers stopper Marvin Andrews, West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, Falkirk attacker Russell Latapy, Derby County striker Stern John, Gillingham defender Brent Sancho and Yorke, who plays for Sydney FC in Australia.
The Committee was formed in October 2004 after a World Cup qualifying loss away to Mexico.
CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh player/coach Angus Eve, who was then the national team captain, was a member of the original Committee.
Although Eve did not fly to Bahrain for last month's qualifying playoff, he is also entitled to a share of the T&TFF bonus, along with the other 42 players who represented Trinidad and Tobago in the campaign.
Players are likely to be rewarded according to their number of appearances.
The list of potential recipients includes sacked team scout David Nakhid (one cap), maverick playmaker Kerwin Jemmott (one cap) and obscure St Clair Coaching School winger Hayden Fitzwilliams (one cap).
Thirty per cent of revenue raised by the T&TFF from merchandising and sponsorship should also be added to the players' pool to be divided among the squad.
Some of the national players are keen on a house as well.
"The Ivory Coast players got houses," said the T&T player. "And the Bahrain government gave villas to 50 players even though they didn't qualify. This is historic for us so I hope the Government at least looks at that."
Although the Express could not confirm whether the Ivory Coast players received homes, the Bahraini players were offered villas and US$60,000 (TT$378,000 ) bonuses, while Angolan players were promised 50,000 Euros (TT$368,000) each.
The Trinidad and Tobago Government is yet to put an official value on the success of its own squad.