Jack appeals suspension as FIFA VP; PM firm in support of Works Minister

Jack Warner on Tuesday appealed his 30-day "provisional" suspension as FIFA vice-president through his attorney Om Lalla.

Warner is still in Zurich and is expected to return home on Thursday.

Lalla expressed confidence that Warner would get a hearing next week and is optimistic that FIFA would lift the suspension. 

"There is a lot that is going to come out of this situation. Warner was vindicated in the issue with Lord Triesman and he will be vindicated here too," he told the Express newspaper.

Triesman, the former head of the English FA accused Warner of asking for nearly TT$26 million to build an education centre in Trinidad and Tobago. He never provided evidence to back up his allegations and an independent investigation cleared Warner.

Lalla told the paper there is a groundswell of support for Warner and an equal amount of condemnation for FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who is going to be re-elected for a another four-year term on Wednesday.

Lalla also commented on the local situation with respect to Warner's political position as head of the United National Congress (UNC) and Works and transport Minister.

The Congress of the People, a partner in the People's Partnership government, has called for Warner to step down until the FIFA probe is completed. That call has come from both COP Chairman Joseph Toney and Deputy Leasder Prakash Ramadhar, who announced Tuesday that he is running for the leadership of the party.

"For COP to treat it like this is premature. This is an administrative problem within the sporting body that is conducting preliminary enquiries. To impute guilt at this stage is premature," he said.

Sports Minister Anil Roberts, who is also contesting the COP leadership, disagrees with his political colleagues.

And Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar reiterated her support for the minister Tuesday saying he must be considered innoncent until proved otherwise.