Anthony Harford, chairman of Authorisation Committee (AC), which was formed earlier this month to manage all affairs of the T&T Football Federation says he is happy with the financial support given to the Soca Warriors in their efforts to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The Authorisation Committee has been appointed to handle all marketing and sponsorship responsibilities as well as oversee the management of international matches. On Thursday at a Post-Cabinet briefing, Minister of Sports, Anil Roberts announced that Cabinet had agreed to a financial commitment of $45 million-plus to the Soca Warriors in their efforts to qualify for the 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup Finals. Speaking to the media, Roberts said that Government had agreed to a total of $45,433,288 in funding if we qualify, which will take us up to November 2013.
This means the coaching staff, technical staff and players contracts will be seen about by the people of T&T with due paperwork’s through the Authorisation Committee, the Ministry of Sports and the Sport Company of T&T (SporTT). The initial stage of funding for the T&T squad for qualifiers from September 2 to December 2011, should be $11,440,000 which has some retroactively figures in it as you are aware coach Otto Pfister.
Once the Soca Warriors get past the second round series and advances to the third round where Costa Rica and Mexico are certain opponents, they could benefit from in more Government financial support to the sum of $16, 996,608 which will allow for $16,996,680 in financial support should the Soca Warriors book a spot in the Concacaf Final Round hexagonal tournament from which the top three teams will qualify automatically for Brazil.
Contacted for comment, Harford said, “We have been informed official by the Minister of Sport and we are receive the letters of confirmation over the next few days. Asked how soon, the funds will be made available, Harford replied, “We expect that the necessary paperwork for the actual release of funds to be completed within the next two to three weeks after which all will be taken care off. Harvard was also delighted to point out that apart from Carib, TSTT and Blue Waters which have been long-time supporters and partners of the T&T Soca Warriors other sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Caribbean Airlines and Gatorade have all confirmed their commitment to supporting the team and 2014 Brazil qualifying campaign.
Harford, who is also the managing director All Sport Promotions Ltd said discussions were on-going with two sporting brands with regards to outfitting the national teams. “The contract with Adidas ended in 2010 but we have agreed with them that we will continue to use its apparel until a new deal is agreed. “They (Adidas) have already expressed their intentions of renewing the contract but we are also in discussions with another top sporting brand as well.
Pressed to state whether the national Under-23 (Olympic) team which has a another round of qualifiers in November will be privy to the financial support given to the new Authorisation Committee, Harford said it is hoped all national teams will benefit from the extra funding from the government support.
The ’s Soca Warriors kick off their 2014 Brazil World Cup Caribbean Football Union Group B second round qualifying campaign against Bermuda at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from 4 pm while it will also face Guyana and Barbados in the round-robin four-team series from which only the group winner advances to the third round where Mexico and Costa Rica awaits and possibly, El Salvador.