international programme has been called off, the Bermuda Football Association confirmed yesterday.

Swedish champions Helsingborg had scheduled a two-match tour this month but those plans have had to be scrapped because of a change in the team's schedule.

"Therefore we will turn our attention to two very possible matches at the beginning and end of January,'' BFA general secretary David Sabir said yesterday.

Sabir promised the association was committed to the international programme, though he cautions it will take time, hard work and support from the community.

The programme is not just for the senior team but all age group national teams. Also on the agenda is the formation of a women's national team.

"First on the agenda is the establishment of an international calendar, a fixtures list of all matches arranged for our senior and Olympic teams as they both will participate in the Caribbean's Nations Cup (former Shell Cup) and the Olympic qualifying matches respectively,'' said Sabir.

The next team to embark on an international fixture will be the Under-17 team which is bidding to qualify for the Youth World Cup. After beating St. Vincent in a recent two-leg preliminary match here, the team travels to Trinidad in early December to compete in the next qualifying round against Trinidad and Tobago, Netherlands Antilles and Barbados.

Sabir admitted the main issue regarding the international programme is the issue of funds, "specificically the lack of sufficient capital to keep our programme functioning at a constant pace''.

He added: "However, we are extremely grateful for the support of Centre Solutions for adopting the senior team, the Bank of Bermuda for standing behind the Under-17 team and Cable and Wireless for driving the Olympic team and its programme.'' Sabir also noted the availability of affordable and quality opposition. He noted that it cost too much for teams from the Caribbean to pay their airfares into Bermuda, hence the BFA must now consider airline subsidies.

The playing season and availability of European teams has changed over the years, especially with their demands for expensive appearance fees and their increased playing schedules.

"The alternative is for Bermuda teams to travel overseas and play matches,'' Sabir noted.

"But that would deprive our fans the opportunity to support and participate in the international football experience. Also we know that our players have employment obligations to meet as well as family and financial commitments.

"At present neither the BFA nor the Country is able to underwrite that expense although, for the good of the Country, it may be a good idea. Just look at Jamaica's success and the mood in their country as a result of their World Cup journey.'' BFA president Neville Tyrrell has called an important meeting for all senior national team players on Monday at the BFA office at 5.30 p.m. sharp. All squad players are urged to attend.