The death knell appears to have been sounded for the Dudley Eve Trophy, at least in its current format.

The annual Christmas holiday competition, which this year will pit Wolves against PHC, is being brought under the spotlight in a major investigation into Island soccer.

Bermuda Football Association president Larry Mussenden appears to be in favour of making changes to the Dudley Eve in order to make room for matches involving overseas opposition.

Addressing the issue, which could also involve restructuring the Friendship trophy, Mussenden said: "Naturally we can't say what is going to happen, those two cup competitions may exist but in another format, we will just have to wait and see."

The moves follow concern from club affiliates over the large number of fixtures that they were forced to play each year.

"The exercise is a justified one," said Mussenden. "This executive committee has been challenged and encouraged by me to look at and examine every aspect of football, that includes all of the areas, women's, youth, education, club development etc. I am pleased to see work is being done in this area, all for the benefit of football in Bermuda.

"We the executives have listened to the affiliates who have asked us to address the issue of playing the amount of cup competitions that we do as well as address the amount of teams in the league and also the position of the Commercial Leagues."

Mussenden said in accordance with what Charles Clarke, chairman of competitions, had already stated, the BFA was setting up a sub-committee to examine exactly what changes would be required to the current structure to make soccer more effective and efficient.

"I can't predict the outcome of the committee's work but they will be addressing all of the various areas and we should hope to get those recommendations accepted by the affiliates and in place as soon as is practical,'' the president said.

He assured the public that no decisions would be made in haste and careful thought would be given to the history of the two competitions.

The Friendship is being looked at because it generates low revenue while the Dudley Eve's placement during the Christmas holidays prevents the BFA from bringing in tours — once a welcome crowd drawer.

"The footballing public were used to having overseas tours at this time of the year and that is exactly something that we wish to start up again by giving the players a rest over the Christmas period," Mussenden said. "I think that will be an exciting development for Christmas and will certainly be something that the footballing public could look forward to.

"We have the National Sports Centre which we could use and also some club grounds which we should be able to use in tandem so that we can provide a wonderful family environment.''