confirmed that the local First Division will contain just nine teams for the 1993-94 season.

The move was widely anticipated following the withdrawal of Hotels last month through lack of personnel.

Also playing a vital role was the rigidity of the BFA constitution which allows the promotion as well as relegation of two teams either way.

A special executive committee meeting on Wednesday resulted in the decision being made not to include another team, but the BFA hierarchy are said to be looking at changing the association by-laws so as to return the division to an even number.

"The committee is in the process of having a complete look, with the underlying theme of revising -- if need be -- the structure and the form by which the divisions are played within the association,'' said Sabir during a press conference.

As for what appeared a simple enough move of adding the next best side from the lower division and possibly allowing a Commercial Division team entrance in its place, Sabir intimated that numerous possibilities were discussed.

"They looked at the pros and cons of a number of different scenarios, but in the final analysis it was deemed appropriate that we remain at nine teams,'' he said. "We don't want to be promoting for the sake of promoting...we want to have quality coming into the First Division.

"That is not to say that the Second Division teams are not worthy of a place in the First Division, but most surely promotion is something that is earned and not given.'' One fallout from the decision to proceed with an uneven number of competitors is that byes result -- along with lost revenue -- with each team likely to have two weekends off.

Meanwhile, the meeting also revealed the start of two new coaching programmes, one targeting goalkeepers, and the other, the Futuro/FIFA/Coca Cola World Development Programme, to upgrade the general level of coaching on the Island.

Bermuda national team goalkeeper's coach Gwynne Williams is the man at the forefront of the proposed Goalkeepers Academy, which is designed to give 'keepers an opportunity for specialized training.

The academy will operate in phases, with the first for senior goalkeepers, running eight weeks, followed by another for those on the lower levels.

Former professional Sam Nusum will aid Williams in the venture and it is hoped that some current First Division 'keepers will lend their knowledge after finishing their own courses.