handed over $80,000 to the Bermuda Football Association yesterday.

Following weeks of turmoil, BFA president Charlie Marshall was happy to have the association receive a welcome financial boost in the form of a cheque, presented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Recreation Pamela Gordon.

Doubts had been raised over the actual payment of the pledge after the alleged scandal involving `extra' payments to do with the World Cup.

Gordon had earlier indicated that Government would have to be satisfied that nothing improper had taken place and be able to view the auditor's report before making a final decision.

When asked if she was satisfied, Gordon said simply: "I just handed over the money...that should answer the question.

"If there had been any improprieties this event would not be being hosted here today.

"We needed to be satisfied because we are responsible. We are the custodians of the taxpayers' dollars and had to be assured that everything was in order as far as our commitment to the people of Bermuda, because this is the money we are paying on behalf of them.'' Gordon said that her ministry did not view the payments of $5,000 to former team manager Mark Trott and director Gerard Bean as extraordinary, nor do they feel the money management of the BFA should remain in question. "It was justified to us by the BFA and we do not have a problem with it at all,'' she said.

Meanwhile, Marshall stated that the money would go some way toward alleviating the current debt incurred by the BFA and that there were also a number of other programmes, particularly those involving the youth and the hiring of a technical coaching director, that this would help support.

As for the auditor's report, which has still not been released to the affiliates, Marshall appeared extremely pleased and maintained that the public will be "surprised'' when the time comes.

The second Women's FA Cup final will be held at National Stadium tonight with champions Telecom the firm favourites against Rude Girls.

Telecom, unbeaten in women's play since gaining BFA affiliation at the start of last season, have enjoyed great success against Rude Girls. They won 3-0, 7-0 and 3-1 in their three meetings this season.

Telecom compiled a record of sevens wins and two draws to successfully defend their league title. The only blemishes were scoreless draws with Dandy Stars and Somerset Terminators.

Rude Girls are hoping to field their strongest team this season. Striker Naquita Dill has just returned from a successful indoor tournament at Messiah College in Pennsylvania where she scored three goals for a team that was made up of Bermudian and Messiah College students.

The others who did well in the tournament are Telecom's Maria Smith and Tomeeka Talbot.

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE -- Sports Minister Pamela Gordon presents BFA president Charlie Marshall with a cheque for $80,000 to help with expenses from the World Cup campaign.