The Cuban regime expressed its concern regarding the potential visa issues for its athletes at the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“From now on, what will be the conduct of the country that will host the 2028 Olympic Games?” the Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz asked on X.
The question from Marrero Cruz arises after the United States government denied visas last Thursday to the women's volleyball team from Cuba to attend the NORCECA Final Four, which will take place in Puerto Rico from July 16 to 21.
According to the Cuban Volleyball Federation, visas were denied at the United States consulate in Havana to all members of the delegation.
The 12 athletes, two coaches, one referee, and a team manager will not attend the event in Manatí, Puerto Rico.
The Cubans "were notified at that diplomatic mission, where the application was submitted in accordance with the deadlines established for such a process,” stated the official note from the Cuban Volleyball Federation, which described the situation as "an unjust and discriminatory stance."
"This approach, contrary to the commitments inherent in the responsibilities undertaken by host countries of international sports events, hinders Cuba's participation in a competition that is part of the qualifying route for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo and is also points-earning for NORCECA and world rankings," they wrote.
The federation also expressed concern regarding the refusals, as they believe that the situation "increases uncertainties about what may happen moving forward in the conduct of the country that will host the 2028 Olympic Games."
This is not the only incident involving sports delegations from the island. A few days ago, the Cuban men's volleyball team faced issues with visa procedures, which made it difficult for all the players to travel to Europe to participate in the second week of the Nations League, although they ultimately managed to attend.
The United States is implementing visa restrictions on Cuban officials and representatives as part of a broader policy of sanctions and immigration restrictions aimed at exerting pressure on the Cuban regime. This policy has impacted various sectors, including sports, limiting Cuba's participation in international events held on U.S. territory.
The restrictions have prevented Cuban athletes from participating in key international competitions, such as the World Master Indoor Athletics Championship and the qualifier for the Fiba AmeriCup 2025. This has led to the automatic disqualification of Cuban teams and limited their international visibility, impacting the development of sports on the island.
Frequently asked questions about visa restrictions for Cuban athletes and their impact
Why is the Cuban regime worried about the 2028 Olympic Games?
The Cuban regime is concerned about the possibility of its athletes being denied visas to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, similar to what happened with the women's volleyball team, which was denied visas for a tournament in Puerto Rico. These restrictions are part of a broader policy of sanctions and immigration restrictions by the United States against Cuba, aimed at pressuring the Cuban regime by affecting participation in international events.
What sporting events have been affected by U.S. visa restrictions towards Cuba?
Visa restrictions have prevented Cuban athletes from participating in key events such as the World Master Indoor Athletics Championship, the qualifier for the Fiba AmeriCup 2025, and volleyball tournaments in Europe and America. These restrictions have limited the international visibility of Cuban athletes and have hindered their development in the sports arena.
How do visa restrictions affect the politics and culture of Cuba?
Visa restrictions impact areas beyond sports, such as culture, health, education, and science. This affects bilateral exchanges and the development of joint projects that could benefit both countries. The policy of restrictions has also been applied to officials of the Cuban regime, hindering participation in international events and collaboration in sectors important to the island.
What has Cuba requested from the International Olympic Committee and other sports organizations?
The Cuban Olympic Committee has requested the International Olympic Committee, Panam Sports, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee to intervene to stop the practices of visa denial. The goal is to ensure the participation of its representatives in international events without political restrictions that affect the spirit of Olympism and the Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.
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