On the eve of the tour to Jamaica, controversy continued to swirl out of control around Bermuda's Under-23 team with Technical Director of Coaching Burkhard Ziese threatening not to accompany the squad.

Ziese and the Bermuda Football Association met yesterday to discuss the latest problems surrounding the outspoken Technical Director, who said he wasn't convinced soccer's governing body on the Island was totally committed to winning the Pan-American qualifying matches against Canada.

It isn't the first time Ziese and the BFA have locked horns, with the German's gruff style frequently rubbing local soccer people the wrong way.

Ziese said a number of factors, long-simmering since the Under-23 squad first came together at the end of August, could put the team at a distinct disadvantage against the Canadians, who have trained rigorously in Fort Lauderdale, Florida since November 6.

"I haven't even decided,'' Ziese revealed yesterday when asked if he would be going to Jamaica. "Right now it doesn't look like it. Why? Because there are too many internal problems. I would never think of not accompanying the team if I was happy, right?'' It's no secret that Ziese has been displeased about the way some Under-23 players have been forced to pledge allegiance to their local clubs at the expense of the national squad.

This week Devonshire Colts attempted to rebuff the BFA's policy of forcing players to withdraw from domestic play to join the Bermuda team for training.

"In principle we have no chance (against Canada),'' said Ziese. "But our chance will be that (Canada) underestimates us. But we have hundreds of internal problems. It doesn't make any sense if you make a commitment and then you blow up your own head.

"It's just that if certain decisions would have been made in the interest of football, things would have been better. Players must be released from their local clubs, at least for so many training sessions regardless of the club's commitment.

"FIFA came very clear with statements in this regard, they have given (the BFA) the power but unfortunately nothing has happened. You can't say I want to make a baby and then the father has five minutes of fun and then he backs off.'' Ziese was deeply disappointed when two of the players selected for the squad, the release of which until yesterday was cloaked in secrecy, failed to show up for practice on Tuesday night. He suggested the BFA were unwilling to criticise players who didn't attend training.

"I have hassles on my team. I have players on my team who, 48 hours before departure, are not to be found. And this is only the tip of iceberg.'' Later he added: "The BFA have committed themselves to the Pan-American Games and their hopes are high. You even have Mr. Austin Woods (Bermuda Olympic Association president) who hopes the football team can go to the Pan Ams. And I would be very happy if we could do so.

"Once you've committed to the Olympics or Pan-American Games or whatever then it's not just a question of participation any more. It's a question of performing.

"This is what certain people do not understand,'' he continued. "You cannot just participate and come home like the team did two years ago after getting hammered.

"If we commit ourselves then I say, please, let's have 100 percent.'' Ziese ultimately played a role in the selection process, but pointed out that it was Under-23 coach Mark Trott who had the final word.

Seven players who made the trip to Germany in October have not been included on the roster, and Ziese was incredulous that attendance during training sessions following the European trip plummeted.

"After we came back from Germany, where we really played much, much better than we played over here, I told the players that if we are able to add 30 percent on that performance we would have a chance against the Canadians because in certain respects we have an edge,'' he said. "Then, suddenly, the attendance in training dropped down 58 percent, which is unbelievable.'' He added: "Only five people on this team deserve to be on it. I'm not just judging performance on the field. It's behaviour off the field, discipline, dedication, participation in training, punctuality and obedience.'' Ziese was also angered that National Stadium had not been available to the squad for training sessions.

"There's a hockey tournament at National Stadium and we can't be on the field in our last week of training here,'' he said. "This is supposed to be the highest commitment of Bermuda. You know it's not only the BFA sponsoring this venture. It's paid by the Bank of Bermuda, which is the people of Bermuda. And it's partially sponsored by the Bermuda Olympic Association because of their high hopes.

"So, for goodness sake, why couldn't we have the stadium? We have to train on the car p ark, which may be better than First Division fields, but if we hit the ball on one goal it goes on Roberts Avenue and the other way it goes straight into the changing rooms.

"We haven't been shooting corner or free kicks during the last ten weeks, with the exception of when we were in Germany.'' If he decides not to accompany the team, Ziese, who has held the post for over a year now, isn't concerned about his future with the BFA.

"My future will continue,'' he said matter of factly. "That's no problem. I checked with certain people whether this would be a breach of contract, but it wouldn't be from my side.'' Ziese also took direct aim at the level of coaching on the Island.

"They talk like they know everything, but to transfer it in practical sessions on the field o r on the blackboard they have nothing,'' said Ziese.

"It's easy to let someone run conditioning training at the beach but what kind of instructions are they giving? "Ninety-five percent of them are blah, blah, blah. It's like an African market place. They say we have always been doing things this way. Then I say `where is your success?' '' Ziese said he was committed to staying here, but "unfortunately, I'm getting tired.'' BURKHARD ZIESE -- "if certain decisions would have been taken in the interests of football, things would have been better.''