Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Phillip Watts says transparency, accountability and proper financial oversight are essential prerequisites for any organisation receiving public funding.He stressed that Government spending must be led by a clear evaluation of previous expenditures and adherence to governance principles and must be seen as a proven necessity.
Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Phillip Watts
In his responses to the Sunday Express following questions on accountability for World Cup campaign funds by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), Watts framed the matter as one of principle, stating accountability is paramount not only for the TTFA but also for every sporting entity that relies on public money.“I am concerned whenever questions arise about governance, accountability, and the overall direction of any national sporting body. Football is too important to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for there to be any uncertainty about whether the sport is being managed in a way that supports its long-term development,” said Watts in response to questions.
‘Ensure strong Governance systems’: Sport Minister Phillip Watts.
TTFA president Kieron Edwards has defended the organisation, saying, “Any characterisation of the Association’s conduct as irregular or improper on the basis of the non-disclosure of information appropriately reserved for those formal mechanisms would be materially misleading and without foundation.”Addressing the TTFA’s failure to provide documentation to SporTT regarding $6.79 million allocated for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, he said, “The TTFA takes its reporting obligations to SporTT with the utmost seriousness and is actively engaged in fulfilling those requirements. The preparation and submission of comprehensive expenditure documentation require detailed financial verification—a process the TTFA is committed to completing in a timely and accurate manner.”Following are some of the responses provided by the minister to questions surrounding the financial affairs of the TTFA.Q: Are you satisfied with the TTFA’s financial compliance? If not, why?A: I believe matters of financial compliance must always be approached with seriousness and objectivity. For that reason, I have asked that the relevant review processes be undertaken to ensure that public investment is properly accounted for and delivers value.There are reports about the TTFA being in significant debt despite the Government subventions provided and other assistance via sponsorship, etc, in the build-up to the World Cup qualifiers last year. Why are so many people, ranging from coaches to vendors to officials, being owed millions of dollars? Have you been given any insight into this matter?Issues relating to specific debts and payment obligations are matters that the TTFA is best placed to address in detail. From the ministry’s standpoint, however, transparency and accountability must remain central to the management of any organisation receiving support, whether directly or indirectly.Do you have confidence or concerns about how the TTFA is running its financial affairs? Do you have any advice for TTFA president Kieron Edwards and other members of the executive?My position is that every sporting executive has a responsibility to manage the affairs of their organisation with prudence, transparency and accountability. My advice to any leadership team is to ensure that governance systems are strong and that their decisions inspire confidence among stakeholders.Is the Ministry of Sport contemplating a further injection of funds into the TTFA? Or do you believe that certain financial thresholds need to be met by the organisation before the ministry can agree to pump further money into the TTFA?The ministry’s responsibility is to support the sustainable development of sport in Trinidad and Tobago, but that support must always be accompanied by proper accountability. Any consideration of additional funding has to be informed by a clear assessment of previous expenditures, governance standards, and demonstrated need.Do you believe an independent audit of the TTFA is required?I support any lawful and appropriate mechanism that strengthens transparency and public confidence. Where concerns arise, independent scrutiny can play an important role in clarifying issues and reinforcing accountability.Why did the National Gas Company (NGC), after committing to $3 million in sponsorship to the TTFA, release what sources say were two tranches totalling $1.5 million and then receive no response from the TTFA despite repeated requests for accountability on how the funds were spent?Once public or private funding is provided to support sports, there must be timely and proper accountability for how those funds are used. As a matter of principle, any breakdown in that process is a serious issue and should be addressed through the appropriate channels.Do you believe this financial issue can have a far-reaching impact on football going forward?Yes, I am concerned about any financial issues that may affect the stability and future growth of football. Sound financial management is essential if the sport is to develop properly and if athletes, clubs and stakeholders are to have confidence in the system.
