US denies visas to Cuban women's volleyball team

HAVANA, Cuba, Jun 27 (ACN) US Embassy to Havana has denied visas to all members of the Cuban delegation that will attend NORCECA women's volleyball Final Four tournament.

The event is scheduled to be held in Puerto Rico July 16 -21, the local volleyball federation reported in a statement.

Due to its importance, we are forwarding the full text.

Statement from the Cuban Volleyball Federation

The Cuban Volleyball Federation reports that the United States Embassy to Havana has denied visas to all members of the delegation which will represent Cuba at NORCECA women's Final Four tournament, to be held in Puerto Rico from July 16 to 21.

Its 16 members (12 athletes, two coaches, one referee, and one team manager) were notified at the diplomatic mission, to which the request was submitted in accordance with the established deadlines for such a process.

This action, contrary to the commitments inherent to the responsibility assumed by host countries of international sporting events, hinders Cuba's presence in an event included in the qualification process for the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games and counts toward the NORCECA and world rankings.

This is an unfair and discriminatory position, contrary to the precepts of sport, which adds to what has already occurred so far this year against delegations from other disciplines, increasing the uncertainty regarding what may happen in the future as being the country that will host the 2028 Olympic Games.

We appreciate the numerous efforts made by the organizers, whom we have informed of the events.

Cuban Volleyball Federation

Havana, June 26, 2025