T&T's Camps says region better off because of Warner

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Football's local governing body here has lamented the resignation of FIFA strongman Jack Warner but has praised his massive contribution to the sport.

Warner, who quit regional and international football administration on Monday, also served as a special adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation.

"For several seasons we have benefited from Warner's support and, by great extension, his position in FIFA," president Oliver Camps said.

"Had it not been for his role, this region would not have experienced some of the benefits brought it to it in terms of the various facilities, football development and assistance programs and even the staging of World Cups that came to existence because of Mr Warner's efforts and for that we remain truly grateful.

"This week marks the fifth anniversary of our participation at the 2006 World Cup Finals. We recall the pride, honour and tremendous joy we felt as a nation, and we wish to again recognise Mr Warner's efforts for his support during our campaign in 2006."

Under Warner's 21-year leadership of CONCACAF, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago became the first-ever English-speaking Caribbean teams to reach a World Cup finals.

Jamaica qualified for France 1998 while T&T debuted at Germany 2006, as Caribbean football rose to prominence in world football.

Camps said Warner's departure was a sad day for local and regional football but pledged to carry on the development he had initiated.

"Let me say that we are in full support of whatever decision Mr Warner has taken and we will do our best to follow through on his wishes for the continued development of football in Trinidad and Tobago and, by extension, the region," Camps stressed.