A major row could be brewing between Bermuda Football Association (BFA) and the rebel group lobbying for the removal of president Larry Mussenden over interpretation of the association?s constitution, can reveal.

BFA executives reportedly claim that Mussenden cannot be removed from office at tomorrow night?s Annual General Meeting because by-laws state that candidates seeking to run for the presidency need to be announced at least 30 days prior to the meeting.

And they say potential challenger Mark Trott, understood to be backed by the rebels, was not nominated for the top post before the deadline for submissions.

However, the rebels insist the constitution is anything but clear, arguing that Trott is indeed eligible to challenge Mussenden as he is a retiring executive council member.

Existing rules in by-law four entitled ?Candidates for the Executive Council? state that such members can be nominated on the evening of the AGM providing they are proposed and seconded by a Full Member Organisation (affiliate).

Nobody from the association or the rebel group was willing to go on record yesterday. However, it appears certain that discussions at tomorrow night?s meeting will be heated.

According to sources, the rebel group are understood to be comprised of BFA honorary vice-presidents Carlton (Pepe) Dill and Leroy (Nibs) Lewis, former BFA technical director Clyde Best, former PHC Zebras coach Alfie Eve, retired BFA executive Robert Calderon and former national coach Gary Darrell.

Former BFA technical committee chairman Robert Calderon and Darrell both resigned abruptly late last year.

Law Four of the constitution states: ?The names of candidates for executive council may be submitted by any Full Member Organisation and must reach the administrative office at least 30 days prior to the date of the Annual Congress Meeting (AGM). The General Secretary (David Sabir) must forward the names of all candidates to all Full Membership Organisations (affiliates) at least 21 days prior to the date of the AGM.?

Sabir declined to comment yesterday.

However, Trott, told earlier this month, a day after affiliates held a special meeting at Devonshire Recreation Club,: ?I am prepared to accept their nomination and run. And the nomination form which I submitted to the BFA supports the fact I am prepared to run. And it could involve president, second vice-president or even club representative because those are all of the positions that will be available. But only if my name is put forward to run for president, then yes I will accept the nomination.?

Trott was narrowly defeated by Mussenden in a close race for the top post in 2001.

Meanwhile, the constitution states that all candidates for the executive council must be confirmed in writing and signed by the nominee. In cases where no nominations are received for a particular office or in the event that a previously submitted nomination is withdrawn prior to the election, then the returning officer may receive nominations from the floor for that particular office only and then the election shall continue according to the prescribed procedures.

Incumbent Mussenden, currently bracing himself for what is expected to be another close race for the presidency, remains confident he can garner the support of affiliates who will ultimately decide his fate.

He said: ?I am extremely confident based on the fact the affiliates have been part and parcel of the work we have done over the last three years. I am running based on the last three years in which a huge number of accomplishments have been made and if re-elected I hope my administration can continue to achieve our objectives with the continued co-operation of the affiliates.?