Games squad, sprinter Troy Douglas warned yesterday that he would not travel with the team to Argentina next month unless money "owed'' to him from the Elite Athletes' Fund was transferred to his account.

His "ultimatum'' marks the second time within two weeks that management of the Government sports fund has come under criticism from Bermudian athletes based abroad.

Commonwealth Games triple jump bronze medallist Brian Wellman voiced concern over the delay in receiving assistance from the fund and also threatened to sit out the Pan-Am Games.

Speaking from his home in Holland shortly before embarking on a three-hour workout in preparation for indoor meets in Belgium and Moscow over the next four days, Douglas insisted his threat was a serious one.

In addition to being angry over the lack of financial help, the athlete said he was also upset at only being given provisional approval by Bermuda Olympic Association. Douglas said he had "nothing to prove''.

"If there is no money in my account from the Elite Fund, there will be no Troy Douglas at the Pan-Am Games. It's as simple as that,'' he said.

"I am just standing firm on that issue right now. Until I see some funds I am not going to Argentina.'' Douglas' dissatisfaction with the funding procedure is well documented.

After last summer's Commonwealth Games where he reached the final of the 200 metres, he claimed the BOA were withholding funds from athletes such as himself, high jumper Clarance Saunders and Wellman.

However, BOA president Austin Woods has defended the Elite Fund, maintaining that the onus is always on the athlete to follow the correct procedure. He noted that once the athlete's documentation is properly forwarded to the BOA, the funds are "never withheld''.

Said Douglas: "As far as I am concerned, Brian and I have long submitted the right information. They are just taking for ever to give us the money. This was promised to us back after the Commonwealth Games and there is nothing.

"They are going to expect us to go down to the Pan-Am Games and bring back medals. We bring back medals, things are good, but when we ask for funds nobody is giving us anything. It's frustrating.'' Mention that proof of his competitiveness was required irritated Douglas who was quick to point out that he didn't need to "prove anything.'' "They do, eh? Tell them to watch the papers next Monday,'' he said in reference to his performance in Belgium.

"I am in shape, even though it's the indoor season right now. I am racing on Sunday and Tuesday and that ought to tell you something right there. It's a stupid question for them (BOA) to be asking anyway. If I give them my word that I am going to be ready for Pan-Am, then I am going to be ready. My record should speak for itself.'' Woods, when informed of the athlete's complaint yesterday, said Douglas had received $5,000 after the Commonwealth Games and if anything else was outstanding then BTFA president Stan Douglas would be the person who could offer more information.

Stan Douglas said every effort was being made to clear up the matter, adding that he didn't anticipate a "real problem''.

The president indicated he would be contacting the athlete in Holland immediately to discuss the issue further.

As far as being asked for proof of fitness, the BTFA chief said the BOA's policy was justified and should not be challenged by anyone.

"I don't know why Troy would challenge the process. What happens is there are rules, and the BOA has some rules about showing the level of fitness prior to a major competition.

"There were some questions about three athletes. Wellman, we have seen what he has done in the past two or three meets and we argued for Jennifer Fisher in that she was constantly out there. We also argued on Troy's behalf.

"We have a schedule that shows his intent to compete in January and this month. For me, personally, I know that if he goes into one race he will show the level of fitness that they are looking for.'' However, the BTFA president pointed out that it wasn't unreasonable for BOA to make such a request.

"I don't think that the BOA has any doubts either. I think there are rules in place and they just want to be consistent. We all know Troy is out there working hard, but they (BOA) don't want to step away from the rules because of an exceptional athlete.

"That's what's happening right now (with Jennifer Fisher). People want you to step away from something that could be good for everybody just because you are exceptional. But the rules are there to assist everybody.'' TROY DOUGLAS -- demanding more support from Government's Elite Athlete's Fund.