The United States government has denied visas to eight members of the Cuban delegation intended to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, a tournament scheduled to begin March 6 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) confirmed Thursday.
Among those denied visas is Pedro Luis Lazo, a former pitcher and current pitching coach for the Cuban national team. Lazo expressed his bewilderment over the decision, stating, “It’s difficult to understand why this happens with visas, since we have nothing to do with political issues,” according to reporting by CiberCuba.
The visa denials impact not the players themselves, but rather key administrative and technical staff. In addition to Lazo, those barred from travel include Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo, President of the FCBS, and Carlos del Pino Muñoz, the federation’s Secretary General, according to a statement released by the FCBS. The team’s national baseball commissioner and statistician are also among those affected, as well as other members of the coaching staff. Lazo emphasized the significance of these roles, stating that their absence weakens the team’s organizational structure.
The U.S. State Department has declined to comment on the specific reasons for the denials, citing visa privacy laws. Still, a U.S. Official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, confirmed that those denied visas are not athletes but rather executives and officials linked to the Cuban state sports system.
The FCBS has criticized the decision, arguing that it violates fundamental sports principles and the commitments made by host countries for international events. The federation also pointed to a delay of over a month in receiving a response from U.S. Authorities. According to the FCBS, the U.S. Government referenced Section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act as justification for the denials.
The World Baseball Classic is a major international event showcasing baseball talent globally. The tournament is being held in Puerto Rico, a U.S. Territory, which places immigration control under Washington’s jurisdiction. The decision to deny visas comes amid ongoing political tensions between the U.S. And Cuba, according to reports.
While the Cuban players themselves have reportedly received visas, the absence of key staff members raises concerns about the team’s strategic and logistical preparation for the tournament. The FCBS has not announced any plans to appeal the decision or seek alternative arrangements.
