Accounts books belonging to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF), outlining commercial revenue associated with T&T's successful qualifying campaign for the 2006 World Cup, have been tendered to attorneys seeking the interest of 16 players on the national team, known as the Soca Warriors.
The books were tendered last Tuesday at the Port of Spain High Court, following an order by High Court Judge Devindra Rampersad.
Following the handing over by attorneys representing the TTFF, Rampersad adjourned the matter to February, stating he wanted to give attorneys sufficient time to check the books.
Sources say attorneys representing the players have already secured the services of accountants both locally and from England.
So far, an interim report has been delivered from England and a more detailed report is expected to be handed over within the next three weeks.
The players who filed the lawsuit against the TTFF, and by extension Football Federation president Oliver Camps, are Brent Sancho, Marvin Andrews, Shaka Hislop, Kelvin Jack, Atiba Charles, Cyd Gray, Ian Cox, Avery John, Chris Birchall, Aurtis Whitley, Collin Samuel, Evans Wise, Anthony Wolfe, Cornell Glen, Kenwyne Jones and Stern John.
FIFA vice-president and TTFF special adviser Jack Warner was also named in the suit.
The players are requesting payments from the TTFF totalling millions of dollars, as promised by Warner, they claim.
Initially, court proceedings were filed in November 2008, at the Port of Spain High Court, where the 16 players demanded the High Court enforce the judgment of the London-based Sport Dispute Resolution Panel (SDRP).
The SDRP had ruled in May 2008 that under the terms of a contract agreed by Warner and the TTFF the players were owed 50 per cent of all 2006 World Cup commercial revenue.
However, the TTFF claimed that a breach of confidentiality by the players meant they (TTFF) were no longer obligated by the agreement.
Following arguments, Rampersad ruled on July 29 in favour of the players. However, the TTFF and Camps appealed the decision, hoping to have it nullified.
Appeal Court Judge Rajendra Narine, who heard the application for a stay, dismissed it in November.
Attorneys Om Lalla and Kelvin Ramkissoon appeared on behalf of the TTFF, while attorneys Dave DePeiza and George Hislop are seeking the interest of the footballers.