Burkhard Ziese was described this week as "a tragedy of immense proportions'' by President of CONCACAF, Jack Warner.

And the soccer chief, who has been a close ally of Ziese ever since news of the Miami drugs scandal surfaced, has insisted his dismissal would not be looked upon unfavourably by either CONCACAF or FIFA, the sport's world governing body.

He has also strongly hinted that the BFA may have to explain their latest actions to CONCACAF.

In a letter to Ziese, a copy of which was obtained by The Royal Gazette last night, Warner wrote: "I have just returned from Saudi Arabia re the Inter Continental Cup Championship where I have learnt that the Bermuda Football Association has, regrettably, dispensed with your services as its Technical Director.

"This is indeed a tragedy of immense proportions not only for the conduct of football in Bermuda but ultimately CONCACAF and FIFA.

"I am convinced that your dismissal stems from your response to my request for a report on the alleged use of a banned substance by some of the players of the Bermuda Pan-Am team. This cannot be consistent with the Bermuda FA's obligations to CONCACAF and FIFA, to which they are affiliated and under whose auspices Bermuda football is conducted.

"I will however reserve further comment on this matter at this point in time, suffice to say however that your present situation with the Bermuda FA in no way diminishes your standing in the eyes of FIFA and CONCACAF.'' Ziese, through his lawyer Alan Dunch, this week began legal action against the BFA, filing a writ in Supreme Court claiming unfair dismissal.

BFA officials have repeatedly refused to comment on their firing of Ziese or any matters related to allegations of drug use among the Pan-Am squad.

Rex Osborne