The Bermuda Football Association's (BFA) delay in making a final decision on whether Bermuda take part in Olympic qualifying is having a negative impact on the team's preparation.

Olympic squad coach Mark Trott yesterday admitted that the mood of his players was being adversely affected with them being left in limbo as to whether they will go through with their scheduled matches against Central American nation Costa Rica on July 29 at home and on August 6 in Costa Rica.

"The back and forth situation has affected team morale, it's definitely not as high as it used to be,'' said Trott, although praising his players for their continued enthusiasm and camaraderie shown during training. "I must give them full credit for their positive attitudes and how they've hung in there in spite of the situation.

"(Not knowing) affects all the (coaching) staff, but my main concern is for the players and their mental state, no matter how I feel.

"The mental aspect affects the physical as well, they all go hand in hand.

Fitness at this point is not a major concern, it's all involved in the complete package both mentally and physically.'' Trott said that numbers reporting for training remained high despite the turmoil.

He added that goalkeeper Dwayne (Streaker) Adams would remain the team captain as he saw "no need to change''.

Asked if he was aware of a final decision to participate or withdraw Trott deferred to BFA general secretary David Sabir, saying that only he, or president Richard Thompson, could answer that question.

"Until they tell me no we'll keep training as if we are (competing),'' Trott said.

When contacted at the BFA office Sabir refused to shed any light on the situation, despite the first leg being almost two weeks away. He indicated that a decision could be made as early as tomorrow.

But both he and Thompson have made similar promises to inform the public in recent weeks, all of which have gone unfulfilled.

On June 19, after The Royal Gazette revealed that a financial shortfall could prevent Bermuda from competiting Sabir told a reporter: "We'll have something to say by the end of the week.'' Ten days later, on July 29, just moments before Thompson carried a cash plea to Sports Minister Pam Gordon, he said: "I'll definitely make a decision in the next 10 days.'' Five days passed before Thompson was again contacted regarding the issue, and on July 4 he said: "I have in my mind a date when I'll make a decision and it'll be by the weekend.'' And while many of the players among the squad wouldn't comment publicly, it was clear that they were upset by the governing body's inaction as the games approached.

One who did speak on the record was Adams.

"Obviously it's more pins and needles,'' said Adams, emphasising the helpless feeling among the players. "Mentally it's frustrating not knowing and being in limbo.

"(But), we're training hard and at the end of the day whatever happens we'll still be better players because we've put in the work.'' Another member, wishing to remain anonymous was not so kind in his assessment, offering this terse response: "It's frustrating not knowing and it makes it hard to put everything into training...what's the sense.'' Another factor Trott mentioned was working against the Bermuda team was the lack of practice matches against quality opposition, as opposed to Costa Rica, who have participated in several tournaments in order to fine tune their players.

The Under-23s, however, have only managed a few matches against local club teams and other selects patched together.

"Costa Rica have a big advantage having played more competitive matches and right now I would expect them to be more organised since I saw them in Argentina,'' said Trott.

MARK TROTT -- "The back and forth situation has affected team morale, it's definitely not as high as it used to be.''