The administration of President Donald Trump is reportedly about to officially suspend the agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) and Major League Baseball (MLB), according to a leak obtained exclusively by journalist Daniel de Malas, press chief of FEPCUBE (Cuban Professional Baseball Federation in Exile).
According to the information revealed, the republican government will establish new requirements for Cuban baseball players who wish to sign with Major League organizations, including an affidavit of permanent residence outside of Cuba.
The measure, described by Salas as the "final point on the trafficking of Cuban ballplayers" organized by the National Institute of Sports of Cuba (INDER) and the regime, aims to sever any institutional link between the Cuban government and MLB, expressed the CEO of the sports specialty website Swing Completo.
From now on, every Cuban player must sign an affidavit or provide evidence certifying that they will not return to the island in order to be eligible in the Major League Baseball contracting system, he explained.
The leaked document clarifies that players must declare under oath that they have established permanent residency outside of Cuba, that they do not intend to return to the island or would not be allowed to do so, and that they are not officials of the Government of Cuba or members of the Communist Party, in accordance with the CACR (Cuban Assets Control Regulations).
They must also confirm that they are signing the declaration voluntarily, without coercion or undue pressure.
The measure is framed within Section 505 of the CACR, which regulates Cuban goods and assets under U.S. jurisdiction.
"The exportation and exploitation of ballplayers organized by the government has come to an end," stated @SwingCompletoBB in their post on the social network X.
The agreement between the FCB and the MLB, signed in 2018 and later suspended by the Trump administration in 2019, aimed to allow Cuban players to sign with Major League teams without having to defect.
With this new turn, the rift between official Cuban baseball and the American professional system deepens.
Although there has been no official confirmation from the Department of the Treasury or the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the leak suggests that tightening the policy towards Cuba in the sports arena would once again be a priority for the Trump Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions about the suspension of the agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation and MLB
Why did the Trump administration decide to suspend the agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation and MLB?
The Trump administration aims to sever any institutional ties between the Cuban government and MLB, stating that the previous agreement promoted the trafficking of Cuban baseball players organized by the National Institute of Sports of Cuba (INDER) and the Cuban regime.
What are the new requirements for Cuban players who wish to sign with MLB?
Cuban baseball players must sign a sworn declaration of permanent residence outside of Cuba and prove that they have no intention of returning to the island. They must not be officials of the Cuban government or members of the Communist Party, according to the CACR (Cuban Assets Control Regulations).
How will this suspension affect Cuban players looking to play in MLB?
The suspension complicates Cuban players' access to the MLB signing system, as they must meet new legal requirements and face immigration restrictions, which could hinder the flow of talent from Cuba to the U.S. leagues.
What impact does this suspension have on Cuban baseball and its relationship with MLB?
The measure deepens the rift between official Cuban baseball and the American professional system, negatively affecting the opportunities for Cuban players to participate in Major League Baseball and limiting formal relations between both entities.
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