Trinidad team seeks $9 million for World Cup

Port-of-Spain:

Trinidad's football federation asked the government for nearly US$9 million on Wednesday to prepare the Soca Warriors for their first World Cup. The funds will mainly be used for training camps, said Jack Warner, the team's special adviser and a FIFA vice president. Sport Minister Roger Boynes said he received the budget, and has asked the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation to increase the amount of time for which the coaches were paid. Boynes also said Trinidad was committed to compensating the players following their historic qualification for the World Cup in Germany. "The prime minister is hoping to have discussions with the team captain Dwight Yorke to look at suitable compensation," Boynes said. "Our government is committed to properly honor the players." The World Cup begins on June 9. (AP)