Island United's application to rejoin Bermuda Football Association (BFA) ranks has been rejected because of the governing body's ambitious plans to restructure domestic football.

Last month Island United coach Robert Thomas expressed optimism that his club, who withdrew from the BFA's Commercial Division at the end of the 2006-07 campaign, would be allowed to follow in the footsteps of Bermuda Athletic Association (BAA) who were re-accepted last year into the First Division following a lengthy hiatus.

However, the BFA's ongoing efforts to "revamp" their domestic league programme have resulted with Island United being denied the right of passage, for the second straight year, into the association's second tier.

In a letter replying to the club's application to compete in the BFA First Division next season, general secretary David Sabir wrote: "It was decided during the executive council meeting of Wednesday, July 2 that no additional teams will be granted permission to join the Bermuda Football Association.

"The Council has decided that the time has come for a complete restructuring of domestic league football played under the auspices of the association.

"The council decided that it must examine all facets of the game that have direct impact on the development of the sport of football and that it was felt that this could not take place if more teams were added to the current infrastructure."

Sabir added: "Whilst the council understands your eagerness to join the BFA family we hope that you will appreciate the decision to revamp the current status of football in order to improve the game generally.

"In closing, the Council wishes to apologise to you for any inconvenience this decision may place upon your plans."

According to BFA insiders, the association are presently reviewing proposals to increase the Premier Division from eight to ten teams, implement age restrictions on Commercial Division eligibility and also form a Second Division which will enable teams to gain promotion or be relegated from the exisiting First Division.

When contacted yesterday, Island United coach Thomas declined to comment.