no clearer -- even after a statement made yesterday by his employers the Bermuda Football Association.

The statement, attributed to the BFA executive committee, argued it was wrong to suggest that Best had been "sacked'' and added that public support for him was understandable as he was "Bermuda's football hero''.

But it failed to disclose why Best's contract will not be renewed, citing confidentiality of contractural matters between the BFA and their employees.

The statement, in its entirety, read: "The Executive Committee has made the decsion not to offer Mr. Clyde Best a new contract for the post of technical director of coaching when his contract with the BFA properly concludes on March 31, 2000.

"It is not the intention of the Executive Committee to discuss any of the employers/employee realtions as it pertains to the contractural matters between the BFA and Mr. Best.

"For the record, it is grossly unfair that the phrase "sacked'' has been used to portray the Executive Committee's decision. Nothing is further from the truth.

"We must all remember that Mr. Best is an employee of the BFA and as such was contracted for a period of three years, which ends on March 31, 2000, with no further obligation on the part of the BFA or Mr. Best to enter into any new employment contract.

"It is also important for everyone to remember that Mr. Best's contract with the BFA wasn't based on our decision to enter the World Cup. Therefore the Executive Committee had the responsibility to decide upon the post of technical director prior to the expiration of the contract period. This is exactly what has taken place.

"In closing, the public comments and outpouring of support for Mr.Best is understandable. No-one, including the BFA Executive Committee, should attempt to overlook Mr. Best's status as Bermuda's football hero.

"The BFA Executive Committee is grateful that Mr. Best is able to contribute to the sport of football in Bermuda as technical director of coaching.''