the credibility of Island soccer has received a boost from the Bermuda Football Association.

At a special meeting on Monday night, the council unanimously threw their support behind the findings of the Commission's reccomendations for the BFA's constitution and bylaws -- recommendations that were adopted at a council meeting on March 25.

The Commission, consisting of Sharpe, Kenneth Richardson, Hugh Richardson, Eugene Blakeney and the late Joe Ferreira, was appointed with the task of investigating the long leadership dispute of the BFA between president Richardson Thompson and his executives.

Among their recommendations was the resignation of Thompson, which has already taken place, the full resignation of the executive committee at next week's annual general meeting, a clear criteria be established for service as a director, that the number of club representatives be increased from four to nine, and that the constitution be amended as a consequence of the report.

Sharpe has said that his commission's work will have been "an exercise in futility'' if the recommendations were not accepted. BFA general secretary David Sabir felt the same way and couldn't hide his delight after seeing it finally coming into fruition.

"Monday's meeting was very fruitful and productive and I am happy to say that the amendments were approved unanimously, the most important one being BFA is behind recommendations the composition of the executive committee. The commission in its deliberations and its findings have done a remarkable job in setting out a plan for the future path of the way the administration of soccer in Bermuda should go.'' The distinct change now as far as directors are concerned will have them removed from having any direct involvement in the executive committee's day-to-day managerial operations, with the significant step now seeing them acting only as overseers or consultants.

Sabir also felt the addition of club representatives served a valuable purpose.

"We regard the change as a significent step for soccer for many reasons. It will bring the club more into a direct involvement with their executive commmittee and it allows the executive committee to disperse responsibilities to more members who will be on the BFA committee. It will also allow people that have expertise in certain facets of soccer to bring those on board and it allows us to effectively communicate with the affiliates,'' said Sabir.

"We are at the threshold of revitalising soccer's future and it's important that we get the most competent people on the executives.'' CHASE IS ON -- Bermuda's Jelani Scott (right) chases his American opponent during a soccer friendly at National Stadium last night. Bermuda's Under-17 team sustained a 4-1 loss against the US Olympic Region Three team. The same teams meet again tonight.