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Seven months after taking part in their first ever World Cup, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation claims it is now close to being broke, and apparently paid each World Cup representative just £485 for their services in Germany. This lead to widespread unrest within Trinidadian Football and resulted in a mass walkout from international availability, and even the cessation of all competitions in Trinidad only narrowly escaped.
The situation led Gillingham players Brent Sancho, Ian Cox and Kelvin Jack to come together in an attempt to help ease the problems, and the first of what is hoped to be an ongoing series of fundraisers was held at the Hackney Empire in London last night. They explained to their club's official website www.gillinghamfootballclub.co.uk about the fundraiser they held to raise awareness:
"It was part of a fundraiser to help with the creation of a players association in Trinidad and Tobago, and we raised plenty of money with the auctioning of football shirts from teams around the country, including Gillingham, Chelsea, Leicester City and an Arsenal banner, as well as other items.
"It is disappointing and shocking that our federation can say there is no money to fund football, especially since going to the World Cup for the first time in our history and signing contracts with some major companies. Words can't describe how disappointing that is, but the players are still upbeat and willing to play for their country, but we realise there are still some very important issues to sort out," Jack said.
"Trinidad and Tobago football needs proper direction and leadership, because it does have so much potential. There are so many players playing in England and could achieve a whole lot with proper guidance and leadership.
"There are plenty of excuses from the powers that be, but one you won't hear is 'we're not doing well enough. There is too much criticism of its own players, and it is sad the federation can do that to the same people who graced the world stage. You wouldn't see the Italian or English FA's involved in open dispute with its players, and to be honest I just don't know why that is the situation in Trinidad.
"Sometimes unions get a reputation for being opponents of everything, but we want to make it crystal clear that a Players Association would not want to be in opposition with the Federation. We simply want to help the players with their educations, finances, and to think about life after football," Jack said.
The trio are hoping to head to Trinidad in the summer for more fundraising initiatives, and for the official launch of the PFA. They will be also hoping to get the support of other exports such as Hector Sam and Clayton Ince, so the country's footall infrastructure can match their neighbours allowing them to concentrate on football matters if they qualify for another FIFA World Cup.