CONCACAF.

Bermuda's Olympic team, which had been training for an Olympic qualifying round in the United States this month, were stunned to learn recently that CONCACAF had always planned to stage the series in the year 2000 and not this year as Bermuda Football Association had originally been informed.

The Under-23 team, which had been training regularly under coach Gary Darrell, were looking forward to the matches against two other countries, yet to be named.

"We don't know who is at fault, but the fact of the matter is that the boys have been training hard and were anxious to play the matches. I think they deserve something for their efforts even if the tournament will not be held this year,'' said one angry parent.

A BFA source said that attempts were ongoing to get the players involved in a tour abroad, either to Canada, the USA or Caribbean, to make up for their disappointment. But so far nothing had been confirmed.

Even if a hastily arranged tour comes off, one group who could be affected are the college students from overseas who might not be able to get away from school.

BFA General Secretary David Sabir said he was unwilling to discuss the predicament at this time.

CONCACAF apparently wrongly notified countries that the competition was scheduled for this year and only recently corrected their error.

The qualifying tournament will now be held immediately prior to the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, next year.