THE Ministry of Sports is going to launch an investigation into the Peru “B” team, which was brought to play a friendly match last Wednesday with the Soca Warriors in their farewell to fans before heading off to Germany for the World Cup final next month.

This comes in the wake of numerous complaints by football fans, who claim they were duped into paying $300 and $500 for tickets to see the top footballers in the Peru team.

But when the team arrived in TnT, it was learnt that five senior players were left out of the Peruvian squad.

Source say that when the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) submitted the Soca Warriors budget to the Ministry of Sports, the sporting body said the entrance fee would be $300 for the uncovered stands and $500 for the covered area, on the basis that the best team from Peru would be coming for the match.

The Ministry of Sports had suggested $200 and $100 as the price of tickets.

But fans are arguing that the best players were left out of the squad and the Peru side was a “B” team.

However, despite the high prices for the match, the Hasely Crawford Stadium was packed almost to capacity.

When asked to comment, Sports Minister Roger Boynes said “he is looking into the complaints by football fans and will be investigating the matter.”

The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Most fans were not happy with the performance of the Soca Warriors. Coach Leo Beenhakker, after the match, admitted it was a disappointing first half for the Soca Warriors.

President Max Richards and Prime Minister Patrick Manning headed a list of VIPs for the game on Wednesday evening.

Fans celebrating a goal by the Soca Warriors.

Tourism Minister HOWARD CHIN LEE (left) and
calypsonian IWER GEORGE (right) were
among the fans.

“Ah looking for Bas”, could be what UNC MP Dr. ROODAL MOONILAL is telling Mrs. OMA PANDAY in the VIP room.

Prime Minister PATRICK MANNING and wife HAZEL, leaving the stadium after the match.