This sounds familiar.........

[Winnipeg Fury]

...in case anyone thought only Canada had this problem:

Clubs unwillingness forces TTFF to put off friendlies.

By: Shaun Fuentes.

Two planned international friendlies for this country’s Senior Football team, the “Soca Warriors, have had to be cancelled due to the unavailability of several of the overseas-based internationals.

With only one international played against Japan in Tokyo earlier this month since the 2006 World Cup appearance, head coach Wim Rijsbergen was hoping to have his full slate of players for matches against Mexico on September 2 and Colombia on September 6 in Port of Spain. All appeared to be on stream for the matches as invitations were sent out to the overseas pros. But Rijsbergen and the TTFF were within short time informed that several of the clubs were unwilling to release the players for the matches and in some cases only one despite the fact that the games fall on FIFA international dates. However, with the clubs playing outside of the Premiership, the clubs are claiming that they still have competition to partake in.

“The truth is that the vast majority of senior players who have been called up to represent T&T have asked to be excused since their clubs have advised them of their reluctance to release them in spite of the fact that the two dates are FIFA approved dates on the International match calendar,” Warner told TTFF Media.

“In the circumstances, we had no alternative but to cancel the two matches against Mexico and Colombia and to formally advise the FIFA about the situation,” he added.

Fixtures for the clubs of which T&T players are affiliated show that in the Championship Division neither Stern John, Chris Birchall, Kenwyne Jones and Carlos Edwards have matches only on August 28 and September 9. Brent Sancho and Ian Cox’s Gillingham plays on August 26 and September 9. Kelvin Jack confirmed to TTFF Media that he has gone into a rehab period and will be out for some weeks while Dwight Yorke is now returning from a groin strain injury and is expected to be in action on September 2 for his Sydney FC.

Jason Scotland’s St Johnstone plays in Scotland on Aug 26 and then not again until Sept 9, same for Collin Samuel and Dundee United.

Atiba Charles also left on Thursday to take up a one-year contract with Irish Premier Division club Glenavon after obtaining his work permit this week. Hector Sam and Clayton Ince’s Walsall plays on September 2 as well. LA Galaxy’s Cornell Glen also suffered a strained left knee and went off in the 37th minute of his team’s 2-0 win over Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.

The match versus Japan was used with only five players from the World Cup squad but Rijsbergen preferred to use a full strength team against the opposition such as Mexico and Colombia, particularly as it serves as warm ups for upcoming Digicel Caribbean Cup Finals and CONCACAF Gold Cup action. Unfortunately for him and local football enthusiasts the Alternative plans are in the process for matches in October.