In a startling turn of events, the highest court for overseas territories in Britain has commanded former FIFA executive Jack Warner to reimburse a staggering 1.5 million Trinidadian dollars ($200,000) loan. The decision, delivered by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on Monday, overturns a prior assertion that the trial judge harbored a “strong antipathy” against Warner as a public official.
Privy Council’s Verdict: Setting the Record Straight
The Privy Council categorically rejected Trinidad and Tobago’s Court of Appeal’s contention that bias tainted the proceedings. Dismissing claims of prejudice, the Council asserted that the trial judge, Frank Seepersad, displayed no favoritism and, crucially, harbored no personal animosity towards Warner.
Justice Ben Stephens, delivering the verdict, emphasized that Seepersad’s concerns about unregulated election campaign financing were not exclusively targeted at politicians like Warner. Instead, they were directed broadly at those seeking to “purchase goodwill and exercise undue influence over politicians and political parties.”
Jack Warner Ordered To Repay Loan : Loan or Political Donation?
Warner, formerly FIFA’s vice president, had accepted the loan from Krishna Lalla, a business executive, contending it was a political donation. The Council, however, debunked this claim, asserting that Seepersad’s decision was rooted in a meticulous analysis of factual findings.
The Controversial 2007 Elections Financing
During the trial, Warner, along with Renraw Investments Ltd. and CCAM and Co Ltd., argued that Real Time Systems Ltd., which financed Lalla, made a political donation to support the United National Congress in Trinidad and Tobago’s 2007 general election. Seepersad dismissed this argument in 2018, ordering Warner to repay the money.
A Twist in the Tale: Court of Appeal’s Intervention
In a surprising twist, the Court of Appeal set aside Seepersad’s decision in 2020, citing “material errors in his analysis of the evidence.” The appeal court also claimed bias against Warner, referencing a 2019 speech where Seepersad labeled the idea of the money as a donation “unfathomable.”
Jack Warner Ordered To Repay Loan : Privy Council’s Clarity
The Privy Council dispelled any doubts about bias, stating that Seepersad’s speech merely echoed his judgment. Warner’s claim of bias, raised 10 months after the initial notice of appeal, was firmly rejected. The Council concluded that a fair-minded observer would not see a genuine possibility of bias.
Jack Warner Ordered To Repay Loan : Real Time’s Victory
The Council also upheld Real Time’s arguments, stating that Seepersad made no material factual errors in his findings. Represented by Robert Strang and Kiel Taklalsingh, Real Time emerged victorious in the battle over the contested loan.
Extradition Looms for Warner
Jack Warner is not only grappling with this legal battle; he also faces extradition to the U.S. on corruption charges. Prosecutors allege he accepted millions in exchange for his influence on hosting tournaments and broadcasting rights at major international soccer events.
