next week before Government's board of inquiry.

Mr. Ziese -- fired this week as the Bermuda Football Association's Technical Director of Coaching -- has told the board he would be pleased to give evidence. See editorial, Page 4.

"We are looking forward to meeting him,'' said board chairman and former Premier the Hon. Sir John Sharpe last night.

The meeting is expected to be held behind closed doors during the latter part of the week.

BFA officials are scheduled to appear before the board in private next Thursday.

"The board has concluded that unless there is a good reason otherwise interviews with all parties will be carried out in private,'' pointed out Sir John.

He said witnesses may be deterred from testifying at open meetings.

The board is expected to begin its first interview next Wednesday, once one of its members, Mr. Louis Mowbray, returns to the Island.

Other members include Mr. Eugene Blakeney, former Cabinet Secretary Mr.

Kenneth Richardson, and Mr. Calvin (Bummy) Symonds.

Sir John said the board planned to meet with many people involved in soccer over the coming weeks.

Up to 20 letters had been sent out inviting individuals and organisations to attend. So far the response had been very encouraging.

Each letter outlined the board's terms of reference, and suggested a meeting.

"People have responded saying they would be delighted to help if they could.

The response has been very good so far,'' said Sir John.

Possible venues for meetings included the Ministry of Youth and Sport board room and the Bank of Bermuda training room.

"We have not decided yet. So far the board have been meeting in my office since there is a table big enough for five people to sit around.'' Sir John said a Press conference next week would be used to introduce the members to the public.

Meanwhile, BFA officials have remained silent in the aftermath of this week's firing of German-born Mr. Ziese, who was hired for three years in November 1993.

Major soccer sponsor the Bank of Bermuda donated a six-figure sum to the BFA to cover Mr. Ziese's salary and accommodation.

Yesterday the bank was officially saying nothing about Mr. Ziese's dismissal.

Mr. Ziese's future was plunged into doubt since the Under-23s ill-fated tour to Jamaica during the Pan-Am Games qualifying tournament. In two memos Mr.

Ziese informed BFA officials that players were smoking marijuana in Jamaica.

The tour was overshadowed by the arrest in Miami of seven Under-23 soccer players for allegedly possessing drugs.