their clubs after failing to submit to drug tests, as required by the Drug Use in Sport policy, have been cleared to resume playing, effective immediately.

It has never been disclosed exactly how many players were banned, although it is known North Village had two players involved after they failed to submit to second drug tests when initial tests proved inconclusive.

By not reporting for the second tests, the players committed a policy infraction and were thus prevented from representing their clubs while they went before a review panel to offer their explanations.

The Village pair and others appeared before the Bermuda Council for Drug-free Sport panel last week and a press statement issued by Bermuda Football Association yesterday confirmed that the panel had decided that cases involving the players should be "set aside and no further action be taken''.

However, if those players wish to remain in the national team programme they must agree to take a drug test as soon as the agency is able to schedule the test. Any player declining to take the test for whatever reason will be dismissed from the squad.

"In trying to move forward, the BFA must express its displeasure in the manner in which this matter was reported in the media,'' said BFA general secretary David Sabir.

"It is true that some of our players failed to attend the drug test at the appropriate time. It is also true that the goal of conducting drug tests at the international level is to ensure that all athletes representing Bermuda were proven to be drug free.

"Therefore, as reported by the media, these players were not in our team during the matches against Cayman Island national team. For that the BFA should have been commended. Instead, the BFA was placed in controversy and for no other reason but to portray its national programme as having problems.'' Added Sabir: "It is time for everyone to realise that our national programme is available to all players with football talent, according to our national team coaches. But that's not all. All players must conform to our policies and when they don't there are consequences.

"The BFA has been testing its players through a formal policy since 1995 and as far back as 1992. Our aim is to safeguard the programme from abuse of drugs.

"Until all players selected to the national team realise that we are serious about our drug free programme then we will have challenges such as the matter contained within.'' DRUGS DGS