fund-raising ventures by the Bermuda Football Association.

That is the view of Minister of Youth, Sport and Recreation the Hon. Sen.

Pamela Gordon who blasted the attack by Shadow Minister Mr. Dennis Lister.

Mr. Lister said that virtually half of the $60,000 pledged by football fans to Bermuda's World Cup squad would return to Government.

He said the cash would help pay for charges for use of the National Stadium, Warwick Camp, Police and various facilities such as toilets.

But a furious Sen. Gordon accused him of being irresponsible and misleading the public about Government's financial assistance to the team.

She said: "If Mr. Lister wanted to find out about the fund he could have phoned me and I would have told him. None of the funds raised in the World Cup Telethon will be used in the way he has claimed.

"He has chosen to mislead and alarm the public for political gain and is basing his claim entirely on misinformation, not fact.

"The BFA approached Government for assistance and subsequently presented a list of their projected expenses.

Government made the decision to assist them with a special grant and a reasonable contribution when all the costs have been tallied.'' A number of Government agencies have provided services for the BFA to stage the World Cup second round games against El Salvador, Jamaica and Canada.

If they qualify for the third round it will mean another fund-raising effort and more Government involvement.

Sen. Gordon said: "In the light of the present economic situation, Government would be acting irresponsibly if we simply waived charges for these services.

Departments have to be accountable.

"When all the costs incurred against Government agencies are tallied, we will take these into consideration and make a contribution.

"It is unfortunate that Mr. Lister has chosen to make these unfounded allegations, particularly when Government is making every effort to support Bermuda's World Cup team in every way reasonably possible.

"This kind of thing could hurt the BFA in the long-term especially if another Telethon is required.''