A total disrespect is how acting T&T Pro League chairman Brent Sancho has described the decision of T&T Football Association to bring forward to tomorrow Trinidad and Tobago’s friendly match against Anguilla, FIFA’s lowest-ranked country.
In a release yesterday, Sancho said, “As a Pro League club owner and now as acting chairman of the TT Pro League, I have always tried to support our national teams. Even when we have had important games we have still tried to accommodate TTFA’s wishes.
“But this decision by David John-Williams, president of the T&TFA, because I know for a fact that this didn’t come from the TTFA board, is disrespecting clubs, players, supporters and sponsors. We have First Citizens Cup matches being played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and you want to play a senior men’s international on the same weekend?”
Sancho, a former T&T defender now club manager, said the Anguilla game was initially carded for Monday and clubs had made plans to allow players to attend national team training. However, he said most clubs had planned to play their national players over the weekend.
“The FCB Cup is currently the most lucrative prize on offer to Pro League clubs and in the current climate, coaches have to prioritise this competition. It meant that some players may have had to play for their clubs on Sunday and then put on a national team jersey on Monday. That can never be healthy for players,” Sancho said.
“And, of course, as this game now falls outside of the FIFA window, clubs are not compelled to release their players. While clubs may have respect for the position of Dennis Lawrence, they may well use this opportunity to vent their displeasure at David John-Williams’ lack of respect.”
All 11 Pro League clubs are in action this weekend. Central FC, Police FC, W Connection and the Defence Force were in action last night at the Diego Martin Sports Complex.
Today, Terminex La Horquetta Rangers, Point Fortin Civic, Tiger Tanks Club Sando and San Juan Jabloteh at Ato Boldon Stadium and tomorrow, Morvant Caledonia United, 1976 FC Tobago Phoenix, Cunupia FC and AC Port-of-Spain battle at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
“We have the ridiculous situation where the national team will kick off at the same time as a First Citizens Cup match, on a surface that would have seen two 90-minute games played the day before. Imagine the condition of that surface for an international game if it rains on Saturday,” Sancho argued.
Sancho believes that supporters who want to attend both matches will also be disappointed.
“While league attendances last year were disappointing, attendances for the FCB Cup have always been strong. It’s an exciting format that keeps supporters interested. It will be very disappointing to us and our sponsors if we lose supporters on Sunday.”
According to Sancho, the FCB fixtures were arranged weeks ago and it was due to poor planning that the TTFA was forced to bring the game forward.