preparations for that tournament or the World Cup.

Canadian coach Bob Leonarduzzi said yesterday that he already had contingency plans for matches against Costa Rica on a home and away basis which would now serve as a tune-up for their third round World Cup qualifier against Honduras on April 4.

"(Bermuda's non-entry) doesn't alter our plans much because we had to play them before the World Cup, which is our main focus,'' said Leonarduzzi, whose side defeated Bermuda 4-1 at home and followed with a scoreless draw on the return leg in the World Cup second round. "We'll just add two other games to our schedule.'' Bermuda were to face Canada in a two leg, home and away series, with the winner advancing to the round robin stage in either Mexico or California involving the United States and Mexico along with three teams from the Central America zone and two from the Caribbean region. The finals are tentatively slated for Los Angeles in July.

Negotiations started back in November of last year while Bermuda were still involved in the World Cup. However on Monday the Bermuda Football Association's executive committee announced it would not enter because no agreement could be made over dates.

With a hectic World Cup schedule -- Canada play on consecutive weeks from April 4 to May 9 -- Canada had only dates in March available for the matches and the BFA felt that playing at that time would have a detrimental affect on Bermuda's domestic programme.

Gold Cup rules stipulated that the games be played by the end of May, but rather than force Canada into playing at a later date and possibly create friction between the two organisations Bermuda chose to not to enter.

"It seems like the gentlemanly type thing they (BFA) have done and if so they should be acknowledged for it,'' said Leonarduzzi, still without his European-based professionals, although those in Canada are currently at his disposal. "If the roles were reversed we would have tried to squeeze them (matches) in somehow.'' Having secured safe passsage to the next stage Leonarduzzi's focus is squarely set on the World Cup, although winning the Gold Cup would be welcome.

Said Leonarduzzi: "World Cup qualifying is very important to us, however this (Gold Cup) is an opportunity to get a some meaninglful games in.

"Not only do we have a chance to make the World Cup finals, but have the opportunity to be Caribbean champions.'' Canada are due to face Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador in the third round of qualifying in the CONCACAF region with Mexico favourites to win the group and automatically qualify for the finals in the US next year. The runners-up face a playoff against the Oceania group winner and then a South American runner-up to reach the finals.