The decision not to take part was reached by the Bermuda Football Association's executive committee after negotiations over dates between the BFA and Canada's governing body broke down.

Canada was to have been Bermuda's first opponent in the competition between countries in the CONCACAF zone. Because of their continuing involvement in the World Cup, the Canadians had called for the teams' two matches to be played in March, but this was deemed unworkable by the BFA.

"The main reason is that our domestic schedule is so tight,'' said BFA president Charlie Marshall. "We were negotiating to have these games played in late April or May.

"Also we felt that this (Gold Cup) would be disruptive and not in the best interest of the affiliates, who have been so cooperative with us before dealing with the World Cup.'' Many affiliates would likely have been unhappy at losing players so late in the season with championship, promotion and relegation issues at stake.

Several sides have found it hard to recover from the earlier absence of key elements and are just now finding their stride.

Marshall said finances were taken into consideration but he was quick to point out that while there were expenses involved in entering there stood a possibility of some winnings.

"This tournament is something that is held every two years and it would certainly be our desire to make preparations in advance so that we can enter in the future.

Meanwhile there has been no definite moves made to name a successor to Gary Darrell, with Marshall only saying that the position is "currently under consideration'' and that there were a number of qualified coaches on the Island.

Darrell has not met with the BFA at any time to discuss coaching since his resignation in December.

"I met with the coaching chairman Dr. Bean about a month ago when there was a World Cup post mortem, but nothing more,'' said Darrell. "I have never known anything about this Gold Cup competition, not even up to when we played our last World Cup game against Canada. I haven't even given reconsidering (resignation) a thought.'' Meanwhile, Fred Lewis, former assistant to Darrell, said: "I haven't been approached by the BFA to coach in this Gold Cup.'' When questioned if he would be interested he said: "It all depends on the terms they want me to coach under...'' Another name that springs to mind is Robert Calderon, who trained the Bermuda team when Darrell and Lewis were doing coaching exams in England.

Calderon hasn't heard anything from the BFA regarding coaching and doesn't anticipate a call.

"No, I can assure you that I haven't been asked to coach the national squad for this Gold Cup competition, said Calderon, currently in charge at Hotels.

"They would probably have Stevie Wonder coach before me.

"I've made comments that have ruffled too many feathers in the BFA. If they advertised for a coach and I was interested enough to apply, the answer would be no because I didn't have a coaching certificate. Danny Seymour would be a good choice.''