Trinidad soccer federation asks for $9 million

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad -- Trinidad's soccer federation asked the government Wednesday for nearly $9 million to prepare the Soca Warriors for the country's first World Cup.

The funds mainly will be used for training camps leading up to the World Cup, said Jack Warner, a FIFA vice president who is special adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation.

Sport Minister Roger Boynes said he received the budget and asked the T&TFF to increase the amount of time the coaches were paid for. Boynes also said Trinidad was committed to compensating players following their qualification for the World Cup.

"The prime minister is hoping to have discussions with the team captain Dwight Yorke to look at suitable compensation," Boynes said. "Our government is committed to properly honor the players."

Trinidad plays Sweden, England and Paraguay in the first round of the World Cup, which starts June 9 in Germany.