Cuba Cites Financial Constraints in Decision to Skip Caribbean Cup
Havana, Cuba – The Cuban Federation of Baseball (FCB) announced Tuesday its withdrawal from the upcoming Caribbean Cup, a regional tournament organized by the WBSC of America, citing prohibitive registration costs and logistical challenges related to the event’s location in the Bahamas.
FCB President juan Reynaldo Pérez Pardo explained in a press conference, as reported by journalist Duanis Hernandez on Facebook, that the decision was driven primarily by economic realities. Cuban sport is currently facing a severe financial and structural crisis, characterized by aging facilities, resource scarcity, and a continuing exodus of players.
Pérez Pardo detailed that the tournament’s financial demands – specifically a $65 daily fee per registered player – were unsustainable for the FCB’s limited budget. The limited infrastructure in the Bahamas, with only one available stadium, also contributed to the decision. This constraint forced the WBSC of America to allocate tournament spots based on regional rankings.
Despite the withdrawal, the FCB emphasized that Cuba had already secured qualification for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, lessening the urgency to participate in the Caribbean Cup. Pérez Pardo stated that the team woudl have competed nonetheless of cost had qualification been at stake. The FCB had proposed a qualifying tournament format to the WBSC Americas, but the proposal was not adopted.
Looking ahead to 2026, Cuba will participate in several international competitions.A team comprised of players from the Serie Nacional will compete in the Serie de las Americas in Panama on January 23rd, in readiness for the Baseball World Cup. Ciego de Avila, the champions of cuba’s Elite League, will represent the nation at the Serie del Caribe 2026 in venezuela. furthermore, the champion of the 64th National Series will participate in the Champions League in April 2026.
This decision to forgo the Caribbean cup underscores the deepening challenges facing Cuban baseball. Once a dominant force in the region, the national programme is now hampered by a lack of resources and a steady stream of players seeking opportunities abroad. As professional baseball gains traction throughout Latin America, Cuba finds itself increasingly isolated, struggling to overcome a crisis that appears beyond the immediate control of its governing body.