World Cup campaign next year.

They have made this request to Youth and Sports Minister Tim Smith a week after Bermuda was drawn against Trinidad and Tobago in the qualifying round scheduled for March or April next year.

While the exact amount of cash the BFA is seeking has yet to be established, it is believed that as much as $300,000 will be needed and Smith intends to approach Cabinet about possible help early in the new year.

"I have spoken with the BFA this week and they have asked for Government's support for Bermuda to enter the World Cup. They have essentially submitted a sponsorship request for funds and I have now included their request in a paper for instructions to Cabinet to consider and discuss,'' said Smith.

"I told the BFA that their request would be subject to Cabinet approval and that I couldn't commit any money until I had taken the matter to Cabinet.'' Smith reckoned that he estimated the amount being sought by the BFA would be similar to what was spent three years ago when Bermuda made its most successful run ever in the campaign by reaching the first round of qualifying.

"I think in the past it cost the Bermuda people about $300,000, and I would think they are looking for a like amount. Once I get Cabinet's feedback on the matter we then will determine the level of participation Government will make,'' said Smith.

"The BFA have already committed themselves to raising some of the funds, but they haven't said how much and that's what I must take to Cabinet so we can determine how much they should raise and what Government is prepared to assist them with.'' The BFA found themselves in the position of having to approach the Youth and Sports Ministry for financial help a week after Bermuda's application in the World Cup had been confirmed as a result of the draw in Paris.

Until that occurrence neither Smith nor the public were aware that Bermuda had entered the World Cup with BFA general secretary David Sabir confirming last summer that they would not be entering because of financial restraints.

The BFA have since then refused to shed much light on their complete change of heart which has caught the soccer fraternity by surprise, especially with there being no coach appointed since the firing of Burkhard Ziese...and the senior national squad has been virtually inactive since the last World Cup run.

The Youth and Sports Minister has maintained his pledge to help to assist Devonshire Colts to find a new home ground that is centrally located since they have been asked to relinquish Frog Lane by the end of the year.

The club lodged a protest at the House of Assembly on December 14 and handed Premier Dr. David Saul a letter listing their anger at being offered the use of Garrison field in St. George's as an alternative.

"I have had discussion with the National Sports Centre trustees regarding what is their specific plans and how much longer can the club be accommodated at Frog Lane. I have also had discussion with some other ministry officials on looking for a more central location and with the police with respect to the availability of the Police field,'' said Smith.

The minister also has a meeting planned with Devonshire Colts on December 28th during which time it is hoped that he will have gotten some positive information that will have resolve the dispute.

He said that he and the trustees had talked about how much longer they can actually persevere with Frong Lane being used for its present purpose, citing that there was a possibility that approval could be given to have the club continue there until the end of the current season.

"I remain optimistic that a satisfactory solution will be reached,'' said Smith.