Dear Sir,

The Bermuda Football Association supports the right of individuals to express their opinions regarding football in Bermuda as well as the actions and activities of the BFA. The BFA holds itself accountable to the community and as such will not engage anyone expressing their opinions in this regard.

However, the Executive Committee of the BFA will not stand idle while individuals with the right to express their opinion, blatantly try to deceive or mislead the public with erroneous information as contained in "The Activist" letter to the Sports Mailbox on Wednesday, September 19.

The Activist states that the "FA sent seven of their executive members to Switzerland this summer to participate in the opening of FIFA's new offices. Glad to see that our money is being spent ever so wisely."

Perhaps this is a mischievous attempt to discredit the BFA or The Activist is generally misinformed and unconcerned with seeking accurate information before uttering such statements. The fact of the matter is that six members of the Executive Committee travelled to Switzerland as follows: Three executive members travelled as part of the U-14 team that participated in FIFA's Youth Tournament to celebrate the opening of the new FIFA House. This was a very special moment for Bermuda and the BFA as our U-14 team was chosen to represent our CONCACAF Confederation.

The three remaining Executive members namely the President, first Vice-President and General Secretary travelled to FIFA to attend the annual FIFA Congress which also coincided with FIFA's inauguration of the new FIFA House.

This annual Congress is nothing unusual as Bermuda's three delegates congregate with three delegates representing the other 207 National Association affiliated with FIFA.

In both cases above and that which was stated publicly at the time, FIFA paid for the entire cost of our U-14 team, including the three executive members, to travel to Switzerland, as well as the cost of the three executive members that travelled to the FIFA Congress. This included airfares, hotel, all meals and transportation as well as equipment for our U-14 team.

To avoid any doubt, FIFA also paid the cost for the other six teams competing in the tournament as well as the three delegates representing the other 207 National Associations attending the Congress. As the BFA didn't have to spend money as stated by The Activist then maybe this can be considered "wisely!"

In closing, the BFA Executive Committee wishes to advise that FIFA initiates a number of programmes on a global basis and at times all National Associations including the Bermuda FA are obligated to attend and or participate. On every occasion FIFA pays for the cost of travel and accommodations including meals and transportation.

For whatever reason, this may not meet with the approval of some in our community and we accept their right to disagree. However, we will continue to provide opportunities for our members to participate internationally as a result of the Bermuda Football Association's affiliation with FIFA.

Executive Committee

Bermuda Football Association