Players from the so-called "Miami Seven'' could return to Bermuda's national soccer squad in four weeks' time -- if they are invited to train for the Shell Cup tournament in the Cayman Islands in early May.

Bermuda Football Association confirmed yesterday that their ban expired on April 30 and they would be eligible to be reinstated as national team players.

"My understanding is that they will be eligible to train with the squad, providing they are selected and can fit into the national programme once their ban from international soccer is up at the end of April,'' said BFA president Neville Tyrrell.

"But that is in the hands of the Director of Coaching. It all depends on whether Mr. (Clyde) Best feels any of them can fit into his plans at that particular time.'' The players -- Keishon Smith, Meshach Wade, Tokia Russell, Shawn Riley, Kevin Jennings, Herbie Dillas and Donnie Charles -- were arrested in Miami on December 8, 1994, on suspicion of importing and possessing eight pounds of marijuana, on their way back from the Pan-Am Games qualifying tournament in Jamaica.

They later pleaded "no contest'' to the charge of possession while the importation charges were dropped, allowing them to return home.

Under an order issued by CONCACAF, the governing body of soccer in Bermuda the Carribean, Central and North America, the seven players were later banned for three years.

Until this week the BFA had been reluctant to comment on issues related to the players, especially during the recent visit by CONCACAF officials.

Their position has seemingly been to allow any negativity from the past to be forgotten. Officials have said previously that any statement regarding the seven players would come only after a decision had been made by the BFA executive committee.

As recently as last week BFA General Secretary David Sabir said: "The BFA executive committee has not discussed the future involvement of any of the players that are currently under suspension, and until such time that they have I have no further comment.'' But Tyrrell said this week: "I am not quite sure what decision needs to be made. They will be eligible for selection if the coach wants them, it's as simple as that.'' Best has also avoided making any public comment about the players.

CONCACAF'S announcement that the Under-20 Caribbean Football Union World Cup would take place in the Cayman Islands during the middle of April apparently caught the BFA off guard.

The Association had been focusing on the senior team's Shell Cup appearance at the same venue in early May. But now they need to organise two major tours within a span of three weeks.

"Confirmation of the tournament venue and time came suddenly and we are still trying to negotiate the actual playing dates,'' said Sabir of the Under-20 squad's commitment.