Former Minister of Sport Brent Sancho and his special advisor, Englishman Kevin Harrison have both been given a week to respond to allegations of improper contract dealings and broken promises to players with regards to their former club, Digicel T&T Pro League and Caribbean Football Union Club Championship winners, Central FC.
In separate letters addressed to both men on Thursday, the TTFA stated that as a member of Concacaf and in keeping with its regulatory obligations and responsibilities it was requesting written statements from both individuals or their appointed representative to address a number of allegations for the purpose of providing a forum to clarify and inform the TTFA in determining whether further action is warranted.
In the letters, which were worded the same but addressed individually to both men, the T&TFA asked that the allegations of a request for personal payments made in conjunction with the transfer of T&T international Rundell Winchester to Belgium lower league club, CS Visé be clarified.
The T&TFA asked that the duo address allegations specifically an email transmission dated August 27, 2014 which was sent to Steve Davies that made a request for personal payment and that he (Harrison) describe the purpose for the “personal payment” as stated in the email.
Another topic the Raymond Tim Kee led T&TFA requested information on was the allegations of non-payment of player bonuses at Central FC which won a record seven titles locally last year, including its first ever Pro League title.
The T&TFF-issued letter noted that complaints have been fielded by the TTFA from Central FC players surrounding alleged withholding of promised bonus earnings connected to the 2014/15 Pro League season and Concacaf Champions League tournament.
In addition, Harrison is being asked to explain why the Concacaf funds meant for Central FC was deposited into a personal account after Concacaf in an official statement rebuffed claims of administration error on its part regarding a deposit of $40,000 in an account by Sancho that was allegedly directed by Harrison.
The T&TFF went on to add: “Would you please explain whether you were aware the Concacaf funds were deposited to your personal account and the reason(s) for directing the funds to your personal account?”
Regarding to the acquisition of teenager Levi Garci, the T&TFA noted that Central FC acquired his rights through the execution of a player agreement at a time when Garcia was below the age of consent and this must also be explained.
A former standout at Shiva Boys Hindu College, Garcia was signed by Dutch club AZ Alkmaar earlier this year, but questions are being raised with regards to the signing of the deal and whether the T&T youth player was properly represented.
In closing the letter to Harrison, the T&TFA said his cooperation and quick response will greatly enhance its ability to provide the proper level of due process and should be submitted by no later than Friday.