have been scuppered with challenger Mark Trott refusing their request to appear opposite current chief Neville Tyrrell.

Mike Sharpe had invited Trott and Tyrrell to debate various issues surrounding their campaigns for the top seat in local football, with the sports anchor and BBC chief executive officer Rick Richardson acting as mediators.

Trott offered three points of reference as to why he declined the request, each intimating his loyalty to member affiliates supporting his election campaign.

However, an overiding reason could well be the fact that Richardson was a member of the BFA coaching committee that made the decision to unload technical director Clyde Best against the wishes of the coaching staff, including Trott, the assistant national coach.

But Trott would not be drawn into a slanging match, instead noting how he had presented his platform to the relevent parties, had paid Tyrrell the courtesy of informing him of his intended candidacy, and relayed the same to the media.

He added that it was now time to allow the process to play out in the form of a vote on July 24.

"I made it quite clear to the affiliates that I would not be engaged in media `back and forths' once I had done all of the above,'' said Trott in a press release. "In keeping with my principles, I intend to honour the promises I made to them.

"In the event the affiliates do select me to the office of BFA president on July 24, I will be more than happy to arrange to meet with the news media and discuss in detail the direction football will take with the blessing of the affiliates.'' Trott vehemently denied a report by Sharpe that he had initially agreed to appear for the debate, explaining that he had in fact told the sportscaster he would consult with the affiliate members before making a final decision.

Meanwhile, both men have agreed to answer a series of questions on the BFA leadership posed by The Royal Gazette sports desk. Those questions and answers will be published this week.