Bermuda Football Association (BFA) first vice-president Cal Blankendal threw in the towel yesterday just days after former boss Larry Mussenden was heavily beaten at the polls during the association's Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Blankendal is the third top BFA executive to resign behind Charles Clarke and Andrew Griffith either side of last Monday's elections which saw ex-BFA technical comittee chairman Richard Calderon crush incumbent Mussenden by a convincing 15-6 winning margin.

The former Western Stars Sports Club president's resignation might have come as a surprise to few, given he had backed Mussenden to the core heading into the AGM. And rather than serve during Calderon's watch, Blankendal has instead opted to pull anchor, leaving the association's top brass with another void to fill in the post-Mussenden era.

"On Monday, September 29, the affiliates of the Bermuda Football Association elected Richard Calderon as the new president. The majority vote was decided under the umbrella of change," stated Blankendal in a written press release. "Having had the opportunity to reflect on the outcome of this result during the past 48 hours, I hereby wish to notify you (BFA) of my decision to vacate the post of BFA first vice-president."

Blankendal added: "I believe that change does not occur by simply electing a new president, but that change requires new mindsets, operational procedures and objectives. Having played an integral role in the development, drafting and presenting the BFA's successful strategic plan to Government, I am of the view that a new branch of leadership will be in the best interest of all affiliates to implement a new strategic plan.

"As I reflect on my personal decision, I vacate the post of first vice-president with only fond memories. I have had the honour of being able to serve you and (BFA) and Bermuda as an executive member, youth chair and first vice-president of the BFA. The memories will remain with me forever as the BFA elevated to becoming the envy of all of Bermuda's sporting associations from a financial and management perspective.

"To all youth football stakeholders, I wish to thank you for your full support, patience and open lines of communication during the past four years. Together we managed to change the direction, public perception and internal club value of having an organised and efficient youth league and club structure."

New BFA chief Calderon, who thanked the outgoing Blankendal for his contributions to the sport over the past four years, said he wasn't surprised to see the vice-president depart.

"To say I was surprised by Calvin's decision would be misleading and without the benefit of knowing the exact reasons for this decision, it serves no purpose to speculate," he said. "Suffice to say, it is clear that Calvin has brought a significant amount of energy to youth football and his departure will create a void.

"That said, the door remains open for Calvin to return at some point should he be of a mindset to re-engage as he would be fully embraced by this executive. We wish Calvin success in all future endeavours and hope that we will have an opportunity to work together in a sport we all love."

Blankendal's resignation follows on the heels of former BFA referee chairman Clarke and treasurer Andrew Griffith who both stood down for "personal and work commitments" last month.