PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has applauded Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar after her government says it will settle the outstanding US$1.3 million owed to 13 members of the 2006 World Cup squad. 

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar made the announcement Monday bringing an end to the long-running dispute between the players and the national football federation.
President Raymond Tim Kee noted that it has been 11 months, since the TTFA and the Government have been in discussions about the outstanding debt owed to the Soca Warriors.
“Records will indicate, our initial efforts focused on the invaluable role Government can play in making football relevant again in Trinidad and Tobago, starting with addressing the vexing issue surrounding the debts owed to the ’06 Warriors and others such as Russell Latapy and other members of our technical staff,” stated Tim Kee.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said Monday that while government was under no obligation to settle the impasse, it was mindful of the “long and protracted legal battles waged by these football heroes of ours” and also aware of the fact the national federation was not in a position to pay.
The members of the squad argued they were never paid all the monies owed them coming out of the historic 2006 campaign in Germany, and sued the national federation. They gained a judgment in their favour for US$3 million but were only paid US$1.7 million of the amount.
“As the entity recognised by FIFA to govern football in Trinidad and Tobago, we are particularly pleased that after months of discussion between our organisation and the Government … football in Trinidad and Tobago will thrive as a result of your benevolence,” added Tim Kee.