Bermuda Football Association with the announcement that president Charlie Marshall was "relinquishing his position''.

Marshall has held the position for just over a year after taking over from former president Donald Dane, who had lost the confidence of several of the more powerful field operators.

This follows on the heels of Gary Darrell resignation as national coach earlier this month after Bermuda were eliminated from World Cup qualifying in the second round.

"As of (December) 22nd Mr. Marshall informed me that he was relinquishing his position as president intil further notice,'' administrator Joe L. Brown said last night of Marshall's stunning announcement. "It was a shock to me when I heard it.'' Brown was unsure as to whether Marshall was resigning altogether or would eventually return. He did note however that first vice-president Richard Thompson would be taking over the duties as acting president during the interim.

Marshall could not be reached for comment last night.

In November 1991, Marshall ran unopposed for the presidency but entered at a time when the BFA's coffers were reeling -- $91,827 in debt -- with the task of returning them to a more favourable state.

This was made even more difficult with the Island's foray into the World Cup -- a move instigated by Dane and thrust on Marshall -- as more money had to be shelled out without a guaranteed return.

Other than the BFA's huge debt, high on Marshall's priority list was improving the overall standard of play in the domestic leagues.

Marshall also wanted more spectator involvement -- although the bottle-throwing incidents that have occurred recently were not exactly what he had in mind.

Still uncertainty surrounds the situation. As recently as Boxing Day Marshall seemed to be operating in an official capacity while on hand at the Dudley Eve Trophy fixtures at PHC Stadium.

CHARLIE MARSHALL.