Bermuda Football Association has defended its organisational skills in the face of a stinging attack from Sports Minister Dale Butler.

Mr. Butler said on Wednesday he was “shocked and very, very, very upset” with the sport's local governing body for the manner in which it had handled the accommodation arrangements for visiting El Salvador who meet Bermuda's national team in a crucial World Cup qualifying match this Sunday.

The El Salvador players and officials were prevented from arriving in midweek because of a shortage of hotel beds and will spend tonight in New York before flying into the Island tomorrow - just a day before the game.

However, BFA president Larry Mussenden indicated yesterday that his association had complied with all (world governing body) FIFA requirements.

“Some weeks ago we were challenged to provide accommodation for the El Salvador team who are members of our football family,” wrote Mussenden in a prepared statement.

“The BFA has worked diligently with El Salvador, CONCACAF and FIFA to ensure that the game will be played in Bermuda on Sunday as originally scheduled. We are delighted that we were successful in securing accommodation for our El Salvador guests and that the game will proceed as planned.

“FIFA and CONCACAF, our international family members with whom we have been in close contact during the past few weeks, have congratulated the BFA upon making this possible. This is how the international family of football works. We wish to thank the Bermuda football family for supporting us and allowing us to work to resolve this matter.

“For many years, the BFA has successfully hosted full international matches in Bermuda. The BFA executive of 12 volunteers and four full-time staff organise and run all international matches. For every one of those matches, FIFA has appointed a Match Commissioner from outside of Bermuda. The role of the Match Commissioner is to ensure that the host association complies with all FIFA regulations. We are pleased to note that in the case of Bermuda, every Match Commissioner's report has commended the BFA on its high standard of match preparation in all areas.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Mussenden pointed out that it was estimated the World Cup campaign could cost the BFA as much as $700,000, but Government had only been prepared to contribute $75,000.

“For this World Cup campaign, we solicited the support of a number of companies and in December, 2003, we made a presentation to the Minister of Community Affairs and Sport about the campaign, making the point that Bermuda's participation would cost in the region of $700,000,” noted Mussenden.

“In February/March of this year, Bermuda played Montserrat both home and away. Even before any financial commitment was received from the Minister, the BFA was absolutely delighted to make all arrangements for him to travel on a six-day trip to Montserrat at a total cost of $2,980.97 to his Ministry. We were pleased that the Minister was able to participate in all of the team's activities.

“Then, almost six months after our presentation to the Ministry of Community Affairs and Sport, the Minister informed us that his Ministry would contribute only $75,000 to the campaign. We were pleased that when we met with the Premier and Minister shortly thereafter, an additional $22,000 was committed to the campaign. We were again delighted to make all arrangements for the Minister to accompany the national team to El Salvador recently.

“The Minister participated in all aspects of the trip, even attending the team's training sessions. The BFA are proud to have extended hospitality and every courtesy to the Minister and look forward to his participation in the official opening ceremony and BFA half-time reception on Sunday.

“Over the years, we have enjoyed a positive working relationship with all Ministers of Sport.