JAPAN have started an international incident by refusing to issue a

visa to Diego Maradona to play in a tournament there later this month,

and the repercussions could be seen in the World Cup finals.

The veteran Argentine captain was rejected entry because of his record

of drug abuse. The situation is now being monitored by the US

Government, which enforces a similar policy on drug offenders.

With a precedent now established, it is possible that Maradona could

miss the finals.

The Japanese embassy in Buenos Aires was damaged by a bomb at the

weekend. A revolutionary group, which claimed responsibility, said it

was in retaliation for Japan's ''disgraceful action.'' Argentine FA

president Julio Grondona said it was being considered whether to

withdraw his national team from the Kirin Cup against France.

Maradona added: ''My team-mates are solidly behind me. They have all

put pressure on our federation to withdraw from this tournament.''

* BARCELONA'S preparations for Wednesday's European Cup final in

Athens against AC Milan have been disrupted by an astonishing attack on

Johan Cruyff.

Spain's coach Xavier Clemente criticised his methods, which he said

had harmed the national team.

He maintained yesterday: ''Cruyff has a bad relationship with his

players. When the Barcelona players turn up with us, I have got to

advise them on tactics, as their knowledge is deteriorating under him.

They are poor in terms of skill.''

''All he is interested in is winning trophies. I could win the

European Cup if I was their coach.''

Cruyff, livid at the intensely personal attack, retorted: ''What has

Spain won or done under this man? Nothing!''

* DUTCH referee John Blankenstein, replaced for the final because of

death threats from Italy, yesterday questioned UEFA's decision.

Milan had already stated that they feared he would be biased because

of the Dutch presence at Barcelona.

But Blankenstein said: ''I can understand UEFA not wanting to take any

risks and it was not a pleasant prospect for me to contemplate a bullet

in the head.

''However, I am afraid this sets an example where an official can be

replaced because of threats made against him. Clubs will now believe

this is the way to procede if they do not like the referee assigned to

their game.''

Milan coach Fabio Capello welcomed UEFA's decision. He added: ''They

have wiped out their mistake, which should never have been made in the

first place.

''It is unbelievable to put a referee in charge of a game where his

countrymen are so heavily involved. I am sorry for the referee but this

action is for the best and I am very happy about it.''

* EUROPE will be allocated 13 places in the 1998 World Cup finals in

France, FIFA president Joao Havelange has confirmed. But this total

could rise by another four depending on a new format of play-offs.

Countries ranked from 14 through to 17 in Europe will be involved in

inter-continental ties to decide the final line-up.

The fourteenth placed team will play off against a country from

Africa; 15 against one from Asia; 16 against a representative from

Central and North America, and 17 will be up against one from South

America.

Havelange, who will be re-elected to his post prior to the start of

next month's showpiece in the USA, revealed that there has been support

for the expanded format from the majority of federations.

France, as host nation, would be exempt from qualifying. If Germany

retain the title, these two places would be deducted from the places

guaranteed to Europe.

The allocation to the other continents is: Asia, three; Africa, four;

South America, four; North and Central America, three; and Oceania, one.

Havelange said:'I am still awaiting for answers from Asia and Africa

but there is no reason to believe the plan will not be adopted.