WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : Spotlight : THAT WILL TEACH THEM

A minor journalistic and diplomatic flap was avoided Saturday in Orlando by venue press officer Jim Henderson, a former journalist.

Belgian Coach Paul Van Himst said Belgian journalists would be allowed to watch his team’s practice at the Florida Citrus Bowl but barred reporters from other countries. That ruling angered reporters from Morocco, who wanted to scout their country’s opponent, as well as reporters from other countries.

Henderson ruled that the session had to be open to all reporters, or to none--and Van Himst promptly closed the practice.

“I know it got some people angry, but that’s the only fair way to do it,” Henderson said.

Morocco avoided controversy by closing its practice to everyone and by refusing interviews after its hourlong practice.