yesterday to International Olympic Committee (IOC) proposals that could squeeze weaker sporting nations like Bermuda out of future Games.

At IOC meetings currently taking place in Acapulco, Mexico, attempts are being made to reduce the number of athletes attending by forcing all competitors to qualify according to set international standards.

Previously only 14 of the 25 sports on the Summer Olympic programme have pre-Games qualification rules. Outside of that, Bermuda's athletes have only needed to pass the guidelines issued by the local federations to be offered consideration to represent the Island.

IOC president Juan Samaranch has said that he wants to limit the number of competitors to 10,000 and ensure that only "legitimate, world-class athletes compete.'' However, while agreeing that a ceiling was needed, Amos argued that Samaranch is only interested in professionalising the Games to attract sponsors and the media.

"The Olympic charter as it is written prohibits what is now being encouraged,'' said Amos, Bermuda's chef de mission in Barcelona. "It would be a sham to continue with the charter if this is the way they are going to go.

"Yes, you want the best in the world, but you also need to maintain the amateur level. The whole thing turns into an exhibition if there are only professionals there...like what happened with the US basketball team this year. The amateur athlete will become a thing of the past.'' It is possible that with the imposing of across-the-board limits, between 30 and 40 countries may be unable to send anyone to the Games.

"We have a number of world class track athletes like Brian Wellman and Troy Douglas who would have no trouble getting in,'' said Amos. "But it's conceivable that track would be the only area where we're represented. For example our swimmers are good but not really world class and they may find it quite difficult to qualify.'' But to help ensure that smaller countries are included, the European Association of National Olympic Committees have proposed giving a number of wild card entries.

The European NOC leader Jacques Rogge said the system would only apply to events "where lesser quality does not disturb the competition.'' Golf on course for Atlanta -- page 24.