By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 8 – Jack Warner has vowed that he will ignore calls in Trinidad and Tobago to step down from his positions as a vice-president of FIFA and President of CONCACAF and stay in his roles as long as he can use it to help his country.
Keith Rowley, the leader of Trinidad and Tobago’s opposition People’s National Movement, has claimed that Warner cannot continue in international football after his appointment last month as the new Minister of Works and Transport in the coalition Government.
Rowley has written to the Integrity Commission to complain about the situation, which he claims is unique, although Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko also serves as a member of the FIFA Executive Committee.
Warner has already promised to give-up some of his FIFA roles but will not give up his main high-profile jobs.
He said: ”At this time, I am listening to all that is being said about my international affiliations and I welcome all to critically examine my life.
“At this time, if my international office can be used to benefit TT, then so be it.
“I have dedicated my life to serving the people of my great land and I will continue to do that no matter what office I hold.”
Warner, who is in South Africa to attend the opening of the 2010 World Cup this Friday (June 11), is to leave after the Opening Ceremony in Johannesburg to return home for the opening of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament on June 18.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has promised to look into Rowley’s complaints.
She said: ”We will be looking at it further, and I am sure that Mr Warner will do all that is appropriate under the circumstances.
“The matter involves an issue of law and an issue of ethics.
“We are looking into it.
“You know, this is a new Government, and there will be a transition period; so Mr Warner had some commitments with the World Cup at this point in time, but we will look into it and I don’t think Rowley needs to campaign on that issue.”
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