Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said yesterday she was standing by her Cabinet Minister Jack Warner following his suspension from football activities by Zurich, Switzerland-based FIFA.

"It is a fundamental tenet of the rule of law that a man is innocent until proven guilty," she said in a statement.

"And so, the decision by FIFA to initiate a "provisional suspension" of its vice president Jack Warner, pending investigation is not a determination of guilt but part of a process that we trust will be fair and unprejudiced."

A "provisional suspension" is not to be equated with a finding of guilt, far less a sentence based on a finding of wrong doing, she said.

"FIFA is an international sport body that is not part of the government of Trinidad and Tobago; we therefore have no knowledge about its procedures and the dynamics of its unique internal politics, she said, adding that events like this involving a senior Cabinet Minister would concern citizens.

She said she asked Warner for an update on the allegations when he returns to Trinidad which he assured he would do.

Warner is expected back from Zurich on Thursday.

She said a "son of the soil" who helped lead Trinidad and Tobago to its first World Cup must be allowed to present his case against the bribe allegations by FIFA.

"Consequently, at this time I will not prejudge the allegations against Minister Warner, and until there is evidence to the contrary, I stand by him," Persad-Bissessar said.

Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert yesterday questioned Warner's political future after he was suspended pending investigations into alleged bribery claims.

Imbert said while the final decision was up to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, he pointed out that Attorney General Anand Ramlogan did say that if Warner was eventually found guilty then action would be taken.

"Does that mean it is possible for his (Warner's) position to be revoked as in the Mary King issue?" Imbert asked in a telephone interview yesterday.

Imbert said as far as he was concerned, Warner had two options.

"He could tender his resignation or the Prime Minister could revoke his appointment," he said.

Just days after Warner's installation as Works Minister last year, Opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley argued that Warner should give up one of the positions and not attempt to straddle two very different agendas.

Imbert said when Rowley made that statement he was referring to Warner's ability to fulfil his duties as a full time minister.

"But I did not think this type of situation would arise," he said.

"This is very serious, Mr Warner is some hot water, seems pretty serious," he said.

"But again, it is the Prime Minister that would have to make that decision," he said.

Ramlogan yesterday maintained that Warner was still innocent and that the suspension was just until the matter was thoroughly investigated.

"What happened (yesterday) does not alter my views in any way," he said in a telephone interview yesterday.

On Friday Ramlogan said Warner had his full backing as he left the country to face allegations of bribery before the FIFA ethics committee in Zurich.

Ramlogan said a suspension was not the same as finding him guilty.

"He has not been charged with any criminal offence," he said.

"We also need to keep in mind that FIFA is completely a private, sporting body, separate from the government," he said.

PM's statement on Warner's suspension It is a fundamental tenet of the rule of law that a man is innocent until proven guilty. This right is enshrined in the constitution of the republic of Trinidad and Tobago and is an important pillar in our system of justice. And so, the decision by FIFA to initiate a "provisional suspension" of its Vice President Jack Warner, pending investigation is not a determination of guilt but part of a process that we trust will be fair and unprejudiced. A "provisional suspension" is not to be equated with a finding of guilt, far less a sentence based on a finding of wrong doing. The process must now be allowed to go its full course since as I said, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. FIFA is an international sport body that is not part of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago; we therefore have no knowledge about its procedures and the dynamics of its unique internal politics. It would be unfortunate if we made premature adverse judgement and pronouncement on a matter that is under investigation. This would be contrary to the spirit and letter of the laws of our land. I am fully aware that events like this involving a Senior Cabinet Minister will be of immense concern to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Likewise, I am concerned by the allegations made and expect an update from Mr. Warner upon his return, which he has assured he will do. At this time, there is no reason for me to arrive at any conclusion regarding the allegations made against Mr Warner. A 'son of our soil' who served this nation faithfully at that very football organisation and who was instrumental in leading Trinidad and Tobago to its very first World Cup qualification just a few years ago must be allowed every opportunity to present his case against the allegations made about him. Consequently, at this time I will not prejudge the allegations against Minister Warner, and until there is evidence to the contrary, I stand by him.