[UPDATED] Eve sacked: TTFA wants ‘different pathway’ to World Cup qualification

THE Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) executive wants a “different pathway” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

This was the main reason given by association president Kieron Edwards on the sacking of senior men’s football team head coach Angus Eve, who served almost three years at the helm.

The surprise announcement on Eve’s removal was confirmed in a TTFA statement on July 31 which thanked him “for his dedication, hard work and contributions to our football programme” and said “his commitment and passion for the game have been greatly appreciated”.

The statement did not give a reason why the association and Eve parted ways but Edwards, when contacted by Newsday, shared some insight on this unexpected turn of events.

“We’re looking for a different pathway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. He (Eve) would have given us something (Eve’s pathway) in terms of the intentions for the campaign. The executive would have reviewed it and the executive is looking at going in a different direction to ensure we qualify for the World Cup,” Edwards said.

He said the executive started discussions about one month ago and the decision was finalised to axe Eve, two weeks ago. Eve was told of his removal on July 31 in a meeting with Edwards, who also serves as TTFA technical committee chairman.

Contacted for a comment on his sudden exit, Eve said he was not yet ready to say anything since he had to “let things mellow in my mind first”.

Edwards hailed Eve as a “great coach” with a “winning record”, a “big brother” and someone he holds in “high regard.”

However, he believes the executives’ intentions and expectations regarding the nation’s World Cup qualifying campaign were not in sync.

“We chose to go down a pathway where we need to have a head coach of the national team with a different style of coaching, for this period. It wasn’t a decision that was easy for me but it was a collective decision and I respect that,” he added.

Moving forward, the TTFA will commence the search for a new head coach who can lead the national team to greater heights, the statement added.

“Our focus is firmly set on the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. We recognise the importance of having a clear pathway for qualification, which requires the full support of the government, private sector and citizens,” it read.

In this regard, Edwards said the process to appoint a new head coach will begin soon. He did not say if there was anyone in particular on their radar to replace Eve.

TT’s next major match kicks off on September 6 away to Honduras in the Concacaf Nations League, and against French Guiana four days later.

He continued, “The search (replacement) will operate in any manner of a head coach. We will send out a request for persons to send interests in the job. Then we will review those persons, do interviews and select a coach. We have the criteria of what we’re looking for, and it’s just to find the right person to fit that bill, once we can afford it.”

With the Nations League just over a month away, Edwards said they will engage several people over the coming days, to announce who would be the caretaker of the team until a new head coach is appointed.

When that happens, he said, only then would TTFA send out a request inviting interested candidates to sign up for the position.

However, Edwards hopes Eve can still serve TT’s football development in another role.

“He did a good job, especially in the turmoil that the TTFA and men’s senior team were in for some time. He came in and steadied the ship a bit and had us moving in the right direction. Those things cannot be taken for granted and we would have discussions with having him playing a role, if not in the near future, but to have a role somewhere within the progression of TT football.”

Eve still has one more year on his contract and his competitive record from 23 internationals is 11 wins, five draws and seven losses. Under his watch, TT scored 45 goals and conceded 36.

For the 2026 Concacaf World Cup qualifying campaign, which kicked off in March with Eve at the helm, TT drew 2-2 against Grenada and drubbed the Bahamas 7-1. They resume their World Cup qualification route on June 6, 2025, against St Kitts and Nevis and then Costa Rica on June 10.

The TTFA statement added, “The TTFA is dedicated to fostering a strong and vibrant football culture in TT. We are committed to enhancing our football infrastructure, developing youth programs, and ensuring competitive performance at all levels. Achieving our goals will require a total buy-in from corporate entities, government bodies and the general public.”

Despite Eve’s unexpected removal, the TTFA said it reaffirms its commitment to the overall development of football in TT and will continue to work diligently towards creating opportunities and providing the necessary resources for players, coaches, and supporters.

This story was originally published with the title "Soca Warriors' head coach Angus Eve sacked" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

AFTER almost three years as head coach of TT senior men’s football team, and just over three months since the TT Football Association (TTFA) elected a new president, Angus Eve has been sacked.

The surprise announcement was confirmed in a TTFA statement on July 31 which thanked Eve “for his dedication, hard work and contributions to our football programme” and said “his commitment and passion for the game have been greatly appreciated”.

The statement did not give a reason why the association and Eve parted ways.

Contacted for a comment on his removal, Eve said he was not yet ready to say anything since he had to “let things mellow in my mind first”.

Moving forward, the TTFA will commence the search for a new head coach who can lead our national team to greater heights, the statement added.

“Our focus is firmly set on the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. We recognise the importance of having a clear pathway for qualification, which requires the full support of the government, private sector and citizens,” it read.

For the 2026 Concacaf World Cup qualifying campaign, which kicked off in March with Eve at the helm, TT drew 2-2 against Grenada and drubbed the Bahamas 7-1.

They resume their World Cup qualification route on June 6, 2025, against St Kitts and Nevis and then Costa Rica on June 10.

The statement continued, “The TTFA is dedicated to fostering a strong and vibrant football culture in TT. We are committed to enhancing our football infrastructure, developing youth programs, and ensuring competitive performance at all levels.

Achieving our goals will require a total buy-in from corporate entities, government bodies and the general public.”

Despite Eve’s unexpected removal, the TTFA said it reaffirms its “commitment to the overall development of football in our nation and will continue to work diligently towards creating opportunities and providing the necessary resources for our players, coaches, and supporters.”