OLIVER CAMPS, yesterday, brought to an end his 19-year term as Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) president.
He cited “the current climate created by the FIFA” as the reason behind his decision to step down.
Camps’ resignation came just a day following FIFA’s revelation that they would be investigating ten Caribbean Football Union (CFU) officials including the TTFF boss.
The investigations stem from a controversial May 10 meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, here, involving former Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam who was accused by FIFA of giving cash “gifts” to several CFU officials.
A defiant Camps defended his attendance at the meeting, stating the convening of CFU leaders to discuss the FIFA presidency was justified.
“In no way am I disappointed that I was a part of the Caribbean Football Union meeting which met to determine the path to choose a leader for the FIFA.
“The current situation facing the CFU now has made it very clear to me that our choice in meeting to discuss whether Sepp Blatter would be the preferred option was the right one.
“History will not judge me for being part of that meeting neither will it condemn me based on association,” he added.
Also a former national team manager, Camps believes FIFA are applying “different rules to the same situations depending on who the players are” and says it has left him feeling bitterness and pain.
Camps said he enjoyed his tenure as head of local football but was forced to rethink his position as the TTFF president.
“I have truly enjoyed working with the football fraternity and enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities which have been given to me through football, but when the price one has to pay includes the sullying of one’s name and the denigration of one’s character without a justifiable reason, then I must confess that this is not the place that I want to be,” he explained.
Camps’ highlight at the helm of local football is undoubtedly the “Soca Warriors” qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
It was the national football team’s first time gracing football’s biggest stage and they went on to claim their first World Cup point in their opening game in a 0-0 draw with Sweden.
Camps wished to be remembered for this achievement and says he has many fond memories in his lengthy career.
“The good memories of having led my country into the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany. I will never forget the opportunities I have had as host of two FIFA World Cup Finals in 2001 and 2010.
“I will always remember that under my watch, TT qualified for four World Cup finals and if success as a leader has to be measured in football it is against this background that I will be judged...history will judge me as the most successful football president in Trinidad and Tobago,” he declared.
Camps thanked TTFF former Special Advisor Jack Warner for his support over the years and praised him as a true champion and Caribbean man.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt