Football Association's First Division this season.

A special meeting of the executive made the decision last night to go with the odd number rather than restore it to 10 as had been indicated in previous reports.

Hotels announced their departure a few months ago, citing a lack of personnel after the team's core was eroded as several players elected to jump-ship following a dismal 1992-93 campaign.

"The executive made the decision that nine, instead of 10 teams will remain in the First Division because of the withdrawal of Hotels,'' explained BFA administrative assistant David Sabir. "It was thought that it was in the best interests of association football in 1993-94 that the executive keep the number of teams at nine.'' The major stumbling block appeared to be the interpretation of the BFA constitution where one clause appeared to give the executive the right to add another team, while another restricted their powers, in effect stating that "two teams (only) were to be relegated from the First Division and two promoted from the Second Division''.

Said Sabir: "There was a discrepancy over the interpretation of the constitution and the executive decided to go with nine teams.'' There was also the issue of several affiliates having signed a petition supporting a move back to 10 teams, but Sabir added that it was not a major factor in the decision-making process.

Meanwhile, nine teams will also contest the Second Division as the BFA were further rocked by the sudden withdrawal of Paget on Wednesday.

Reasons cited by the club for the move were poor attendance at training sessions and a lack of dedication on the part of players.

It is believed that coach David Furbert became frustrated at the players' apathy and resigned his position and this was followed by a decision to cease activity in the senior league, although the junior programme will continue to operate.

The Ord Road club had mostly languished in the lower depths of the division since their arrival in 1984 after being promoted from what was then the Third Division -- now the Alliance Division. Their best finish came in 1985 when they were seventh.

Still there is the matter of a schedule, with the season set to start in less than a month's time, but Sabir said that one should be ready before the end of next week.

A list of senior transfers appears on page 30.