ESPN football analyst and former Soca Warriors World Cup goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has expressed a deep sense of relief and satisfaction over the news that the T&T Football Federation (T&TFF) and the 13 members of the Soca Warriors 2006 Germany Fifa World squad have reached an agreement over their bonus rewards.The players include Stern John, Kenwyne Jones, Cornell Glen, Collin Samuel, Anthony Wolfe, Evans Wise, Aurtis Whitley, Avery John, David Atiba Charles, Brent Sancho, Cyd Gray, Kelvin Jack and Hislop, who stood in goal in two of T&T's matches at the World Cup, against Sweden and England, and was one of the individuals who played a pivotal role throughout the case.
The release by the T&TFF said the court order was fully executed and further details will be disclosed at a press conference tomorrow at which the local federation officials and representatives of the 13 players will be present.T&TFF president Raymond Tim Kee said, "We are quite pleased today (yesterday) to announce that we have reached an agreement and that the court order was fully executed. This is a major hurdle that has been crossed. While we are delighted to have reached a settlement, this goes far beyond just a settlement. We felt it was important to begin a period of reconciliation and collaborative efforts in our thrust forward for football in T&T."
Hislop said, "When we started out on this journey we had no idea where it would take us, or what was at stake. All we knew was we were entitled to more than the TT$5,000 on offer. And for that we were, and even now, subject to the most distasteful character assassinations. We did nothing to deserve that."For T&T's footballing future, players and administrators alike, a precedent has been set. One that I think will give the players a better footing in the game going forward, and one that gives the administrators of the present and the future a framework of mutual respect to build from," Hislop continued.The former St Mary's College and Howard University student noted that finally the players feel a sense of acknowledgement.
"To the 13 players it means an acknowledgement that we were right to stand our ground, stand for what we believed was just. For far too long we felt that players had been taken advantage of, and at some point someone had to make a sacrifice in making a stand that would benefit future footballers. No team before us had that opportunity or ability, an ability we earned in qualifying for the World Cup. I've always said that with success comes responsibility, and that responsibility had fallen to us, rightly or wrongly. Whichever way we had to respect it."The former West Ham United and Newcastle United custodian who was outstanding in T&T's 0-0 draw with Sweden in Dortmund almost seven years ago, paid tribute to Tim Kee and his team at the T&TFF for their efforts in reaching this settlement."Ever since Tim Kee and Sheldon Phillips (general secretary) engaged us in constructive dialogue, things moved very quickly from there," Hislop said.
"I've known, trusted and respected Sheldon for a long time, but this was my first meaningful interaction, certainly of this nature, with Raymond Tim Kee. They have been professional and true to their every word throughout. I honestly cannot say when last I have felt comfortable and as confident with anyone in football administration anywhere as I did with them over the last three months. Between them I feel confident that they will give their all to the betterment of the game in T&T. They are not in this for themselves," Hislop stated.
