Jamaica, have already implemented a preparation scheme in their build-up to the prestigious competition similar in some respects to one which Bermuda is said to be considering.

The Jamaica Football Federation has rapidly moved to revamp its knockout matches in the best interest of the "nation's football'' by preventing members of their national team from participating in the early rounds while the Bermuda Football Association continues to just contemplate the move.

In fact Bermuda's position still remains uncertain. It was only two weeks ago that The Royal Gazette exclusively reported that the BFA was contemplating housing the national team in a training camp from October 5 through December 6 and seeking to have them free from domestic soccer and work commitments.

The move by the Caribbean island did not surprise Bermuda manager Gary Darrell at all. "No, I am not surprised to see Jamaica take these steps. They obviously realise that they stand a very good chance going even further in the competition given the chance and they are aware that Trinidad and Tobago almost made it to the final the last time.'' Yesterday, however, administrative assistant Joe L. Brown remained tightlipped about the BFA's position. "We've not yet concluded our negotiations, it's still an ongoing matter as far as the association is concerned,'' said Brown.

Two weeks ago president Charlie Marshall said: "Discussions are taking place with various parties regarding Bermuda's preparation for the World Cup and we will be having meetings with the affiliates to appraise them first before we can say anything.'' However, while Bermuda continue to waver, Jamaica have taken action to ensure that their national squad get the quality of training they feel is necessary for their team to make an impact as they enter the forthcoming rounds. Jamaica play Bermuda at National Stadium on October 25.

Frank Williams, manager of the Jamaica soccer team Reno, is supporting the move even though he has several players involved with the national team and would be seemingly hurt most by their absence during the early months of the season.

"If our aim is to reach the 1994 World Cup we just have to do what we think is necessary to keep the players fresh, fit, sharp and focussed,'' said Williams last week. "My team will probably suffer most by the decision to keep out the national players. I will be losing my coach and three of my better players, but that is a sacrifice that I am willing to make.'' Gary Darrell said he was hopeful that the local coaches would show a favourable response once the BFA made a similar request for the clubs to support the national squad, confirming that this was indeed going to be the association's approach.

"I don't know what progress is being made in the BFA's discussions but there are so many advantages in having the players housed together and concentrating on nothing but training as a united on a regular basis,'' said Darrell.

He added: "The advantages are that you minimise the risk of injuries and there are no distractions. The players have always indicated that something like this should take place, there are just so many advantages when you are together going into a competition like this. There is an entirely differently camaraderie.'' Dandy Town coach Robert Calderon, who could lose a few players to the scheme, has already publicly stated that the BFA should take necessary back-up steps if they go ahead with the rumoured plans. "If the World Cup is the priority, fine, but they will have to revamp the league accordingly. They will have to modify the league programme in a big way if they are going to take my players for 10 weeks,'' he said.

North Village, who could be worst hit by a loss of players, will be reviewing the matter shortly.