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• TTFA to receive $2 million government injection for World Cup qualifying campaign

  The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) is set to receive a $2 million injection from the Ministry of Sport and Community Development towards its Fifa World Cup campaign.

  Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis pointed out that the funds to be distributed between 2024-2026 will be $1 million for the first year, with another $1 million to come in the second year, provided that her ministry is satisfied with how the money is being spent.
  
  “What we have done is support TTFA’s proposal for their World Cup campaign. They submitted to us a World Cup proposal... and we are making a contribution to their proposal like governments have done in the past. This time they have submitted the terms and so on, as it relates to the terms and conditions of the contract between Dwight Yorke and the TTFA," Cudjoe-Lewis told T&T Newsday. 

  With former Manchester United and Trinidad and Tobago striker Dwight Yorke now taking the reins as senior Soca Warriors Head coach, anticipation is high that he can qualify the Twin Island Republic to another Fifa World Cup since its appearance at the 2006 showpiece.

  The Soca Warriors currently sit second in Group B on four points, two points behind leaders Costa Rica ahead of the resumption of qualifying action in 2025.
  
  Cudjoe-Lewis, who is elated to welcome Yorke back into the national team, reiterated that the Government’s financial support is for the Kieron Edwards-led TTFA, not specifically for the new coach’s salary.
  
  “Whoever TTFA chooses to be its coach is between TTFA and that coach. Of course, it is great for us to have a local, somebody who is a star, someone who has served as sports ambassador, and so on. That is a good thing for all of us in TT. In the past, you would see that the Cabinet has approved World Cup campaigns... and we were presented with a proposal. That proposal consists of so many things, from coaches, coach fees, support for local training, local games, foreign games, airline tickets... we made a contribution to their campaign, and they determine how they are going to spend the contribution," she declared.

• Reggae Girlz keeper Becky Spencer signs new Tottenham Hotspur deal aiming to make a lasting impact

  Reggae Girlz goalkeeper Becky Spencer is set to remain with Tottenham Hotspur Women until 2026, after signing a new contract that will see her continue her contributions both on and off the pitch. Spencer, who joined Spurs from West Ham United in 2019, has been instrumental in the club's journey through the Women's Super League (WSL) and is looking forward to extending her legacy.

  The 33-year-old Jamaican international, who has already featured in Tottenham’s first six games of the current WSL season, is thrilled to extend her stay. "I'm over the moon," Spencer shared with SPURSPLAY. "Having been here for a long time now, it was important for me to get this done. It’s amazing that the club wants to keep me here, and I'm really, really happy."

  Spencer reflected on her time at Tottenham, recalling the club’s early days in the WSL. "When I first joined, we had just been promoted to the WSL, and the journey has been incredible. We’ve come a long way, and I’m excited to keep moving forward with the team," she said.

  Over an 18-year career, Spencer has gained extensive experience in both England and the United States. Through highs and lows, including injuries and team transitions, she’s become a seasoned WSL veteran. Now approaching her 100th appearance for Tottenham, Spencer highlighted the special moments that have defined her time at the club, recalling her debut game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. "That first game against Chelsea was huge for us—just one-nil down and competing against top teams showed everyone we had arrived," she reminisced.

  As she enters her sixth season with Tottenham, Spencer is committed to guiding younger players and helping the club grow. "Throughout my career, I’ve wanted to leave every club in a better place than I found it," she added. "I hope to be a mentor and make an impact off the pitch as well, so that when my time here ends, I can leave feeling proud of what we’ve achieved."

  With Spencer’s leadership, Tottenham Hotspur Women look forward to building on last season's top-six finish and pushing even further in the competitive landscape of the WSL. For Spencer, the new deal is more than just an extension—it's a commitment to shaping the future of the club and ensuring its growth, both now and beyond her playing days.

   

• 'A very important win' - Sahin relieved after Dortmund scrape past Sturm Graz
  

  Nuri Sahin lauded "a very important win" for Borussia Dortmund, after Donyell Malen's late strike sealed a narrow 1-0 victory over Sturm Graz.

  Last year's Champions League finalists claimed their third win from four matches in this season's competition, with substitute Malen securing all three points with five minutes remaining.

  The Netherlands international executed a neat one-two with Serhou Guirassy to put Dortmund fourth in the league table on nine points.

  And though they left it late, Sahin felt his side were worthy of their victory.

  "A very important win," he told reporters during his post-match press conference. "It was a deserved win, even if we scored late. We controlled the game for the most time.

  "We stayed clear. I thought it would happen earlier [the goal]. But even though we scored a late goal, it's nine points for us so far."

  Meanwhile, Sturm Graz are left rooted to the foot of the table, and still seeking their first points of the competition.

  "In my opinion, we had the better opportunities in the phase before they scored," coach Christian Ilzer said.

  "But then the goal was scored and we were left empty-handed. That's very annoying. But we have to take the lead in a game like this."