being heralded as further proof that Bermuda's reputation at the international level is on the rebound.

Bermuda Football Association president Neville Tyrrell, general secretary David Sabir and former BFA president Dr. Gerard Bean were named to two commissions during recent meetings in Trinidad and Tobago attended by representatives of 25 nations.

CONCACAF president Jack Warner selected Tyrrell to the Commission for Protocol while Sabir and Bean were designated members of the Commission for Special Projects. Bean has been a long-serving CONCACAF representative.

While the appointments might have been overshadowed by Bermuda's entry to the Shell/Umbro Cup for the first time in six years, the BFA regard the selection of the trio as an endorsement of Bermuda soccer by most Caribbean countries.

Bermuda discussed the possibility of returning as associate members of the Caribbean Football Union while attending a Congress meeting in Guadelajara, Mexico in May but were later told by Warner to concentrate on sorting out their leadership problems first.

Sabir said he regarded the recent appointments as a sign of restored faith by their counterparts in the Caribbean, adding that he believed the Island had a bright future in Caribbean competitions.

"The president of CONCACAF, in addition to supporting Bermuda's inclusion in the CFU, has shown his regard for the talents of BFA officials by selecting us,'' noted Sabir.

"Such appointments confirm that there is a level of support for Bermuda's rebirth and total participation in the worldwide arena of international football.

"Warner has pledged his support to a thriving Bermuda FA. He recognises that without continued international competition Bermuda will fall behind every country worldwide in terms of being a competitive football nation. As evidence suggests in the FIFA world rankings, the Caribbean region can be a nurturing ground for our programme. The competition is not above our standard and the variables involved make it feasible for developing a relationship in that region.'' But Sabir made it clear that while excited about being back in the Shell/Umbro Cup along with the appointments, the BFA's number one goal remained getting full membership to the CFU rather than merely associate membership.

"While attending the Presidents' meeting our primary goal was to solidify our request for inclusion in the CFU, and I believe that this was accomplished for two reasons. Firstly, Warner took the opportunity to invite the Bermuda delegation to the meeting which indicates his support for including us in the CFU and secondly it was apparent that those countries in attendance were very receptive to the idea that Bermuda was allowed to attend the meeting as an observer with a voice,'' said Sabir.