Controversy in the 64th SNB: the final will be played in Havana and not in the finalist provinces

The decision to hold the final of the 64th National Baseball Series at the Latinoamericano Stadium in Havana, rather than in the finalist provinces, sparked intense controversy among fans and followers of Cuban baseball.

The announcement was made by journalist Guillermo Rodríguez Hidalgo on Facebook, where he confirmed that the final will start on Wednesday the 11th, featuring the Leñadores de Las Tunas against the Cocodrilos de Matanzas, with four consecutive games, a day of rest, and up to three additional matches if necessary.

The decision was also confirmed by the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation, which informed briefly on their social media that the final of the 64th National Baseball Series will be held at the Latin American Stadium starting this Wednesday, February 11, featuring a matchup between Matanzas and the defending champion Las Tunas, which defeated Artemisa 4-3 in the semifinals.

There is no confirmation as to whether the decision –arbitrary according to some– is a response to the measures adopted by the regime due to the ongoing fuel crisis.

The information generated dissatisfaction, especially among Matanzas supporters, who recalled that the team finished in first place both in the regular season and in the qualifying round of the play off.

Olga García Lustres questioned the decision and pointed out that the Victoria de Girón stadium should have been the natural venue for the final. She also denounced that this is an imposition "from above," disregarding both the players and the fans, especially considering the current transportation limitations.

Other users also criticized the disadvantage of playing in Havana. Yoandis Palmero Larrañaga described the measure as a poor decision and warned that the teams will be at a clear disadvantage due to the geographical separation of the capital.

Although some fans celebrated that the final would be held at the Latinoamericano, even without the presence of Industriales, the discontent has been evident on social media, where questions have arisen about why the venue does not correspond to any of the provinces competing for the title.

The final of the National Series is traditionally played in the territories of the competing teams, so the choice of Havana as the host city once again brings into focus the administrative decisions in Cuban baseball and their impact on sports equity and fan engagement.