The Cuban government has expressed concern over the visa status of their athletes for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz took to X to question, "How will the host country of the 2028 Olympics conduct itself in the future?" This comes in the wake of the U.S. government's recent decision to deny visas to Cuba's women's volleyball team, preventing them from participating in the NORCECA Final Four held in Puerto Rico from July 16 to 21.
According to the Cuban Volleyball Federation, the U.S. consulate in Havana refused visas to all members of the Cuban delegation. As a result, 12 athletes, along with two coaches, a referee, and a team director, were unable to attend the event in Manatí, Puerto Rico. The federation described the decision as "unfair and discriminatory," noting that the application was submitted within the required timeline.
The federation's official statement criticized the decision, stating it contradicts the commitments expected of nations hosting international sporting events. This move hampers Cuba's participation in competitions that are crucial for qualifying for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026, and impacts their rankings in NORCECA and globally.
Further complicating matters, the federation acknowledged growing concerns about future interactions with the host country of the 2028 Olympics. This isn't the first issue faced by Cuban sports delegations; recently, the men's volleyball team encountered visa processing errors, delaying their travel to Europe for the Nations League's second week. However, they ultimately managed to participate.
The United States has been imposing visa restrictions on Cuban officials and representatives as part of a broader policy of sanctions aimed at pressuring the Cuban regime. These measures have had significant repercussions across various sectors, including sports, limiting Cuba's ability to participate in international events held on U.S. soil.
Such restrictions have prevented Cuban athletes from competing in key international events, like the World Indoor Master Athletics Championships and the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers. This has led to the automatic disqualification of Cuban teams and hindered their international exposure, impacting the development of sports within Cuba.
Impact of U.S. Visa Policies on Cuban Sports
Why is the Cuban government concerned about the 2028 Olympics?
The Cuban government is worried about the U.S. visa policies that might prevent their athletes from participating in the games, as similar restrictions have already affected other sports events.
What events have Cuban athletes missed due to visa issues?
Cuban athletes have been barred from participating in events like the NORCECA Final Four in Puerto Rico and the World Indoor Master Athletics Championships due to denied visas.