The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) was informed on Tuesday that the US government denied visas to eight members of the delegation formed to represent Cuba in the VI World Baseball Classic.
The list includes the President and Secretary General of the FCBS, Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and Carlos del Pino Muñoz, and the pitching coach and glory of our sport, Pedro Luis Lazo Iglesias.
They, like the other five affected, are part of the delegation with specific functions, established by the organizers for all the countries invited, given the demands related to the overall functioning of the delegations.
The response from the United States, more than a month after these requests were submitted, turns its back on the reasons behind them, on the most basic precepts of sport, and on the commitments assumed by the host countries of competitions of this type.
Citing Section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of that country as grounds for refusal disrespects the essence of sport and the responsibility inherent in its protagonists and places our delegation at a clear disadvantage. It is false that Cuba does not cooperate with the United States on immigration matters.
The denial of visas adds to the complexities that marked the process of integrating the roster, subject to different deadlines than those set for the rest of the countries invited, due to the need for the organizers to obtain permission from the US government, which was essential in order to invite Cuba.
In view of this situation, the FCBS will analyze how to proceed and will report in due course.
Havana, February 25, 2026
FCBS