The seven Under-23 players were last night celebrating at a hotel after being released on bail from Dade County Jail.

"They are filling their lungs with the fresh fragrance of freedom,'' exclaimed their jubilant lawyer Mr. H.T. Smith.

Their release came as it emerged Government would launch an in-depth investigation into the soccer drugs crisis.

Former Premier the Hon. Sir John Sharpe will head the five-member Commission of Inquiry, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

It should be set up within two days.

The "Miami Seven'' -- Herbie Dillas, Donnie Charles, Meshach Wade, Keishon Smith, Shawn Riley, Kevin Jennings and Tokia Russell -- were freed at about 2.15 p.m.

Their lawyer scotched reports the seven would be flying back to Bermuda today.

But he spoke of a mood of joy among the players who were arrested and detained on December 9 at Miami International Airport after the Under-23 squad's triumphant Pan-Am Games qualifying tournament in Jamaica.

"We are in the process of getting them their first good meal and their first good night's sleep,'' said Mr. Smith, president of the National Bar Association in America.

"They are also enjoying a good reunion together to celebrate their great victory in Jamaica for the first time in 10 days.'' Mr. Smith said a battle strategy was also being worked out in preparation for December 30 -- the arraignment date for the players who are charged with importing and possessing marijuana.

"We are conferring to begin work on their cases to prove they are victims and not criminals.'' Mr. Smith said the seven were staying at an undisclosed hotel.

The players' release followed an intense fight to get Immigration holds on them removed.

"We've had to fight through the maze of Immigration,'' said Mr. Smith.

All of the players -- apart from the juvenile Russell -- had been detained at Dade County Jail after being bailed last week in the sum of $2,500 each.

A spokesman for the jail said the players were released at about 2.15 p.m.

"They had their Immigration holds removed and were bonded out,'' the spokesman added.

Russell was freed after appearing at a separate hearing at juvenile court.

Meanwhile, Sport Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon yesterday disclosed her plan for an inquiry.

It follows revelations the Bermuda Football Association knew about drug abuse within the Under-23 squad -- 10 days before seven of its players were charged.

Memos written by Technical Director of Coaching Mr. Burkhard Ziese to BFA officials show the extent of their knowledge.

Mr. Ziese also sent a letter to Mr. Jack Warner, president of CONCACAF, under whose umbrella the BFA falls.

The December 15 letter states Ms Gordon also knew about drug problems.

"Dear Mr. Warner, the same facts have been reported by me when I was still in Jamaica to the past BFA president Mr. Charles Marshall.

"All evidence was forwarded to the Minister of Youth and Sport Mrs. Pamela Gordon, for discussion with the Bermuda Cabinet.'' But yesterday Ms Gordon firmly denied receiving such "evidence''.

She said the first she heard about Mr. Ziese's letter implicating her in the scandal was on Sunday night.

"It is quite ridiculous. I did not have any knowledge of this, and it was not discussed at Cabinet level.

"I did not have anything for the Cabinet to discuss. I did not have any information or any fax.'' Ms Gordon said she was aware of a drug problem in the community which extended to football.

"I know guys have smokers' corners at football matches.'' She added, however, she had known nothing about drug problems in the Under-23 team.

And she had been unaware beforehand who the players were representing Bermuda in the Pan-Am Games qualifying tournament in Jamaica.

"Usually if you have a team representing the country the team is announced in the newspapers.

"It is not normal to notify the Minister who the players are.'' Soccer inquiry Ms Gordon went on to reveal her plans for a Commission of Inquiry.

Commission members would have connections with football, but be "relatively independent'' and meet with the approval of the BFA's private sponsors.

Said Ms Gordon: "They will be well respected in this community and be very credible. I am seeking their assistance to delve into the matter and report back.'' She added several people's names had already been pencilled in to sit on the Commission.

"We have to get their approval to serve before we can release their names.'' The Hon. Sir John Sharpe, however, had agreed to chair the inquiry, she continued.

Sir John is honorary vice-president of the BFA and used to be chairman of its Appeals Committee.

"Sir John is very well respected in the community,'' said Ms Gordon.