By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
May 29 – Jack Warner (pictured), the FIFA vice-president, has been sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s new Minister of Works and Transport and has admitted that he will have to step down from a number of key football roles.
Warner, the 67-year-old chairman of the United National Congress (UNC), is a vital part of the new People’s Partnership coalition under Kamla Persad-Bissessar that won General Election in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday (May 24).
Warner, who polled 18,767 votes to retain his seat in Chaguanas East, said he plans to continue in his FIFA role and as President of CONCACAF despite his increased workload.
But he revealed that he would have to resign from a number of other FIFA committees he serves on.
He said: ”I am up for the task, we have a lot of work to do and everyone is ready and keen to deliver.
“I can attend [FIFA] meetings, I can remain the vice-president but I will give up the committees of which I am chairman.”
These include leading the orgainising committees for the FIFA under-17 and under-20 World Cups in Mexico and Colombia respectively.
Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) President Oliver Camps led the congratulations after the announcement of Warner’s appointment.
He said: ”I never doubted the capabilities of Mr Warner at the polls and I think it is quite fitting that he has been given the opportunity to serve as a Minister.
“We all know his excellent track record in every field that he has been involved and without a doubt I think this pattern will definitely continue in his new ministerial post.”
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