The Bermuda Football Association could face the wrath of CONCACAF later today over the importation charges facing seven Under-23 team players -- even before the players have had their day in court.

CONCACAF President Jack Warner is furious at what is happening and is threatening to take very harsh action, even though the players, Herbie Dillas, Keishon Smith, Tokia Russell, Kevin Jennings, Meshach Wade, Shawn Riley and Donnie Charles have not been found guilty of the importation and possession charges they are facing.

"I am very angry and very disappointed,'' said Warner from his New York office yesterday. "More importantly I have also asked the President of the Bermuda FA to give me an official report within 24 hours and that expires tomorrow (today) at noon.

"I have also been in constant contact with FIFA (the world governing body of football) and will be making some recommendations from the report which I will announce tomorrow but there are very, very fierce penalties which we intend to impose on the FA.'' When the suggestion was made to Warner that obviously the players would have to be found guilty first, his quick response proved just how seriously CONCACAF are treating this matter.

"No, they don't have to be found guilty,'' he replied.

When asked what would happen if the players had nothing to do with the matter -- that drugs could have been planted on them -- Warner said: "That is like saying the next World Cup will be played on the moon,'' the president answered.

Warner would not disclose what might happen to the BFA. When asked if CONCACAF had enough power to ban Bermuda from the Pan Am Games, Warner replied: "Our powers are extensive and could go beyond that.

"The last matter we will have to look at will be president's report.'' If CONCACAF exercise their full power then the $75,000 that the BFA earned for qualifying for the Pan Am Games will certainly have to be returned. It would certainly be a blow to the members of the team, in particular, who battled against the odds to qualify for the trip to Argentina next March.

Last night, just minutes before an executive meeting at the association, president Richard Thompson confirmed that he had received a fax from CONCACAF.

He, however, declined to comment on both its content and the remarks made by Warner.

"Obviously we will have to discuss the content of the fax first,'' Thompson explained, saying it would be discussed at last night's meeting. "I don't have anything to say at this point.'' Bermuda beat Canada 2-0 on aggregate in their two matches in Kingston and then beat Jamaica for the remaining qualifying spot on a Raynel Lightbourne goal in the last minute of sudden death extra time. Bermuda won that tie 2-1 on aggregate after the teams drew 1-1 in the first match.

A number of players played key roles in the team's success from goalkeeper and captain Dwayne (Streaker) Adams to the defence of Andrew Rahman, Meshach Wade, Dano Outerbridge, Donnie Charles and Blenn Bean, to midfielders Keishon Smith, Ottis Steede, Kevin Jennings and Nakia Smith and striker Lightbourne who netted two of the team's four goals in Jamaica.

Soon after the victory over Jamaica, Adams spoke of his role in the team as captain and as one of the most experienced players, even though he is still only 21.

"On the field and off the field I'm trying to lead in a good way so the players can respect me,'' Adams said in an interview with The Royal Gazette .

"One thing you have to respect yourself in order to gain respect. Right now I'm more determined than anything.'' All members of the Bermuda Under-23 team are requested to attend a meeting today at 6.30 at BFA office.