Football fans in Trinidad and Tobago have long been advocating for changes to the immigration laws to allow for a wider pool of talent to represent the country. This plea was reiterated recently by former national team players Angus Eve and Dwight Yorke.
Currently, only players born overseas to Trinidadian or Tobagonian parents are eligible to play for the national team. However, Eve and Yorke are pushing for this criteria to be expanded to include players with Trinidadian or Tobagonian grandparents. This move would not only increase the selection options but also enhance internal competition within the team.
Questions have been raised about the government’s priorities when it comes to sports, particularly football. There is a sense of frustration within the football community that their concerns are not being given the attention they deserve. It is evident that urgent action is needed to address these issues, as delays could impact the country’s ability to qualify for major tournaments like the World Cup.
It is time for Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and the Cabinet to take heed of these calls for change and work towards strengthening Trinidad and Tobago’s football talent pool. The future success of the national team depends on it.
