TTFA and Saudi Arabia FF sign MOU
TTFA and Saudi Arabia FF sign MOU
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Arabia Football Association at Tuesday’s friendly match between the both nations at the Al Shabab Stadium in Riyadh.
President of the TTFA Kieron Edwards met with Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabia FF. There were previous discussions which led the eventual signing. President Edwards also met with Saudi Arabia Sports Minister, His Highness Prince Abdulaziz Turki Al Faisal Al Saud at Tuesday’s match in Riyadh.
The MOU will include exchanges and support in the following areas
General Management
Marketing and Commercial Activities
Sport Facilities
Study and Research
Coach Development
Football Management and Technical Direction
Academies Development
League and Competition Development
Talent Identification and Player Development
Women’s Football
Youth Football
Beach Soccer and Futsal
Good Governanc, rules and regulations
Sports Science, sports medicine and football related technologies
On the field of play, Saudi Arabia defeated T&T 3-1 in a friendly international on December 17. But off the field, Al Misehal and Edwards felt they made an agreement that can benefit both countries’ football programmes in the long run.
“It’s not just about the senior team. It’s about the women’s team, it’s about infrastructure and helping in terms of the leagues, referees’ development and VAR,” Edwards told TTFA media.
“It’s a very complex and I think monumental achievement to have this MoU signed and it will benefit TT. Not just footballers, but all aspects of football in the near future.”
“The new (TTFA) executive came into power in April and it’s been about laying the right foundation to build upon for the future,” Edwards said.
“It’s important we lay that foundation, not just for the upcoming 2026 World Cup…it’s just a continuation of the relationship between the countries, but now in football.”
Al Misehal said the relationship between the countries is very good and is eager to partner with the TTFA, as he said TT has a very good football history.
“We saw the Prime Minister of your country (TT) visiting Saudi Arabia last month. And we’re very excited about developing the football relationship. I want to thank the TTFA for their support in Saudi’s bid to host the World Cup in 2034,” Al Misehal said. “Also, I can see the famous ex-Manchester United player (Dwight Yorke) being the coach which shows that TT is a country that has a lot of passion for football.
“Our slogan is growing together. And that’s part of our mission really to grow together.”
Al Misehal said growing the women’s game is of great interest to the Saudi FF.
“The TTFA has advanced women’s football as well and that’s a part where we want to learn from them, and also from our side we will be more than happy to cooperate and try to do some programmes where both federations can benefit.”
The TTFA will continue to provide updates on all developments related to the MOU.
Photos : TTFA Media
