Cuban Women’s Volleyball Team Denied U.S. Visa for Competition in Puerto Rico

The Cuban women’s national volleyball team has faced a significant setback after being denied visas to compete in a tournament in Puerto Rico, due to new restrictions imposed by the U.S. government. The Cuban Volleyball Federation revealed that the team’s visa request—which included 12 players, a referee, and multiple coaches—was rejected, preventing them from participating in the NORCECA Women’s Final Four tournament scheduled for later this month. National team player Laura Suarez expressed her disappointment, stating, “It’s really disappointing not to be able to participate in the competition, which is what I’ve been preparing myself for.”

Her teammate, Dayana Martínez, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how the visa denial severely impacts their ranking and preparation for upcoming competitions. The tournament is crucial as it awards ranking points essential for qualifying for the Volleyball Nations League. Coach Wilfredo Robinson highlighted the team’s frustration, pointing out that the missed opportunity would likely thwart their chances of competing in the Nations League, with the risk of needing significant points in future tournaments.

He stated, “If we get there needing to achieve 80 or 100 points, we are not going to be able to do it.” The U.S. has added Cuba to a list of 12 countries facing travel restrictions, which has sparked condemnation from Cuban officials. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez criticized the visa denials as part of a broader pattern of xenophobia.

In response, the U.S. Embassy in Cuba indicated it could not comment on individual cases due to privacy policies but reaffirmed its focus on border security. The implications of these restrictions extend beyond this tournament, potentially affecting numerous Cuban athletes who rely on international competitions for Olympic qualification and other major events.