Visas denied to the Cuban women's volleyball team

Ap

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, p. a12

Havana. The Cuban women's volleyball team was denied the opportunity to play in a tournament in Puerto Rico following new visa restrictions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Cuban Federation of Paralympics reported last week that the team, made up of 12 athletes, a referee, and several coaches, had their visa application denied and will not be able to attend the competition.

The disappointment is huge because I train for this every day and dedicate most of my time to it , said national team member Laura Suárez.

Cuba was scheduled to participate in the NORCECA Women's Final Four in Manatí, Puerto Rico. The tournament, which includes the host country, Mexico, and Costa Rica, awards qualification points for the Volleyball Nations League.

Arriving at the embassy and being denied a visa affects us greatly because that competition gives us points to improve our ranking , said Dayana Martínez, another player.

National team coach Wilfredo Robinson said the decision means his team will likely be eliminated from the Nations League.

The United States added Cuba to a list of 12 countries with restrictions on entry to their territories.

▲ Visiting the Estadio Centenario 27 de Febrero in Tabasco, the Diablos Rojos del México defeated Olmecas 5-4. Former major leaguer Robinson Canó sealed the game in the seventh inning with a two-run home run. Despite the Tabasco team's comeback, the Red Devils reaffirmed their lead in the Southern Zone of the Mexican Baseball League. Photo: LMB

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, p. a30