Devonshire Cougars will indeed be without strike pair Raymond Beach and Heys Wolfe and defensive ace Omar Butterfield for tomorrow's FA Cup quarter-final against North Village.

Confirmation that the Bermuda Council for Drug Free Sport (BCDS) have submitted their findings - regarding the trio's refusal to undergo a third compulsory drug test last week - to the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) and the latter's indication that they have in turn passed on that information to Devonshire Recreation Club yesterday sealed the players' fate.

"We can advise you that we have been informed of the BCDS results specific to our national team players and those results and other details specific to the matter have been disseminated to the respective club," read a Press release from BFA general secretary David Sabir.

Devonshire's secretary Ellsworth Christopher acknowledged receipt of correspondence from BFA but declined comment on its contents.

"We have been instructed not to make any more statements other than that we have received something from the BFA," he told The Royal Gazette.

Asked if he could confirm that the three key footballers had been banned, he replied: "I really can't say anything further."

However Cougars coach Andrew Bascome, speaking before he learnt what the BFA said, was already fearing the worst.

"It's going to have an effect. That effect could go either way. It could possibly make us stronger. What I can say is that it will be hard to replace that level of talent. They are three quality players who train hard," he lamented.

"It's come at a time when the team was getting into a good rhythm and the harmony was great. It's very frustrating.

"We're in a good position this season - in the Friendship (Trophy) final; three points behind the (Premier) League leaders and in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup."

The Cougars team-mates - who were earmarked to suit up for Bermuda against visiting Brazilian club Santos last Sunday - were asked to give a third sample for testing after their first two tests were deemed 'invalid' by drug-testing agency Benedict Associates.

Their refusal now subjects them to a one-year ban from international and domestic football unless they can provide a 'reasonable excuse' for failing to keep their third test appointment.

Asked about the BCDS policy regarding confidentiality, chairman Jon Beard disclosed it was agreed by all national sports governing bodies that they protect individuals involved from any publicity and therefore he could not reveal the players' names.

"Because this is a domestic policy our practice is that we don't reveal names," he said, adding this applies whether a competitor fails or refuses to take a drug test.

"The only people who should be informed by the BCDS are the (relevant) national sports governing body and the athlete through their club. That's the only people we inform.

"If the athlete wishes to talk to the Press or whatever that's entirely up to him or her."

Beard explained the BCDS policy differed from the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) Code in that regard as the latter - which specifically deals with performance-enhancing substances - allows names to be "made quite public".

"If it was a situation involving performance-enhancing drugs that would come under WADA and, as we are signatories, the persons' names would be available to be made public.

"It's a totally different issue than our domestic programme," noted the BCDS chief.

Though without the services of Beach, Wolfe and Butterfield, Cougars remain formidable opposition for Village who have not hit high gear since the Christmas break. Still, the Rams will fancy their chances as they visit the Den knowing the Island's most prolific scorer, Beach, will be on the sidelines.

The other quarter-final fixtures slated for 2.30 p.m. will see Hamilton Parish against Prospect at Lord's, MR Onions battling PHC at BAA and Ireland Rangers against Somerset Trojans at Malabar.

The BAA clash should draw more than passing interest as Commercial League outfit Onions have already had the gumption to oust struggling Premier team Southampton Rangers and will be eager to impress further. However, it would be surprising if red-hot PHC suffer the same fate as Rangers.

There are two other games tomorrow as BISYS Royals and PHC vie for a place in the women's FA Cup semi-finals at BAA at 12.30 p.m. and Paget and X-Roads meet in a First Division make-up match at White Hill at 12.30 p.m.