Raymond Tim Kee, president of the T&T Football Federation (TTFF), says that Concacaf played a key role in helping the local federation source the funds to settle the seven-year court dispute with regards to rewarding 13 members of the Soca Warriors 2006 Germany Fifa World Cup squad.
On Wednesday, in a media release, the TTFF stated that it was pleased to officially announce that it had reached an agreement with the 13 players 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 Shaka 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.
Reached yesterday for comment, Tim Kee was quick to note that while he was not at liberty to say exactly where the money came from as he felt it was no one's business, he did admit that it was sourced with the help of Concacaf.
"The money came from a very legitimate source as far as we are aware of and was directed to the TTFF through Concacaf and shall be in the players' possession soon."
He said, "One thing is for certain, I did not knock on any businessman's door for any money to pay the players."
Told that some questions were being asked about the money not already being in the players' accounts, Tim Kee said he was a little disturbed to know that after the matter took seven-plus years to be resolved, some players were now uneasy over some minor delays.
"We have been in discussion with Shaka Hislop and Brent Sancho for quite some time and we (TTFF) already have the tracking number from Bank of America. The money is also signed out in the name of the Soca Warriors, so they will have their money as soon as the transactions are completed."
Asked to state the amount of money the players are set to receive, Tim Kee said he was not at liberty to state those facts.
"Both sets of lawyers signed a non-discloser and we will be keeping our end of the agreement with regards to the release of information of what is the total amount of money."
On Wednesday, Hislop, in a release from the TTFF, said a precedent had been set for T&T's footballing future, players and administrators alike.
He said, "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."
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, also paid tribute to Tim Kee and his team at the TTFF for their efforts in reaching the 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."
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