The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has barred Under-17 national football coach Shawn Cooper from coaching youth players until further notice, invoking Section III, Article 29 of its Safeguarding Policy and Framework.

The announcement was made via a memo issued on Saturday to all TTFA stakeholders by the association’s Safeguarding Department. The statement outlined that Cooper, who recently led the national Under-17 team at the CONCACAF Under-17 World Cup Qualifiers, is now prohibited from working with players aged 18 and under.

"The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) writes to advise that, in accordance with Section III, Article 29 of the TTFA Safeguarding Policy and Framework v3.0, age group restrictions have been placed on the Safeguarding License of Mr. Shawn Cooper with immediate effect. Mr. Shawn Cooper is prohibited from coaching youth players (18 years and under) until further notice," the memo read. 

Section III, Article 29 specifies that when an individual or organization is under investigation for abuse, a breach of the safeguarding policy, or a criminal offense, the TTFA shall impose conditions on their license to work with children, youth players, and vulnerable groups.

These conditions may include supervision requirements, reporting obligations, age-group restrictions, or provisional suspension. The policy further states that any breach of these conditions will result in suspension from all football-related activities until disciplinary matters are resolved.

Breaches of the TTFA Safeguarding Policy and Framework, as well as other TTFA codes of conduct, rules, or regulations, carry penalties ranging from warnings and fines to complete bans from football-related activities.

In addition to his role with the Under-17 squad, Cooper has been a prominent figure in Trinidad and Tobago football, having guided Presentation College San Fernando in the Secondary Schools Football League and previously coaching the national senior women’s team.

No further details regarding the specific nature of the investigation or allegations have been released, and Cooper’s future with the youth program remains uncertain as the process unfolds.