The Bermuda Football Association have scrapped plans to charter a plane to take supporters to the Dominican Republic for Bermuda’s crucial Concacaf Nations League qualifier on March 24.

The BFA had looked into the possibility of a charter flight, but said that the estimated cost of $170,000 represented too much of a financial gamble.

“The BFA wishes to advise those planning to attend the match that attempts to organise a charter flight haven’t proved to be financially viable as the overall cost to secure the necessary charter flight was in excess of $170,000, which meant the ticket prices would be significantly higher than those charged by commercial airlines,” the BFA said in a statement yesterday.

The possibility of a charter plane was first mentioned in November after Kyle Lightbourne’s side defeated El Salvador 1-0 at the National Stadium to set up a crunch final group match away to the Dominican Republic.

“Additionally, securing the charter flight meant that the BFA would have to pay the cost upfront,” the BFA added.

“Thereafter the flight would need to be sold out in the amount of 168 passengers. In the final analysis this was deemed too much of a financial risk considering the financial guarantees required.

“For those persons planning to travel to support the team the BFA is working to secure an allotment of match tickets for purchase from the Dominican Republic Football Association.”

The match, which will be played at the Estadio Cibao Stadium in Santiago and is scheduled for 8pm, has great significance as Bermuda could qualify for the Gold Cup for the first time. Bermuda are seventh in the standings with two wins from three group matches.

They lost their opening match to Aruba 3-1 last September before thrashing Sint Maarten 12-0 the next month. The top ten teams advance to the Gold Cup.

Nahki Wells, the Queens Park Rangers striker, marked his return to international duty for the first time in three years by scoring in Bermuda’s 1-0 victory over El Salvador.

The 28-year-old has already made himself available for the Dominican Republic trip. Wells, on loan from Premier League side Burnley has scored seven goals in all competitions for QPR this season.

For more details on tickets call the BFA at 295-2199 before February 28.