Cuba had eight delegation members denied U.S. visas ahead of the World Baseball Classic; most players and coaches reportedly received clearance. For bettors, expect short-term odds movement: cautious markets may undervalue Cuba initially due to staff uncertainty, creating potential value on Cuba if the team’s on-field strength remains intact once staff decisions are resolved.
Cuban Baseball Officials Denied U.S. Visas Ahead of World Baseball Classic
Eight members of Cuba’s delegation were denied U.S. visas ahead of the World Baseball Classic in San Juan, tournament organizers confirmed. The denials come as Cuba prepares to face Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama and Canada in pool play from March 5-17.
Who was denied entry
Among those denied visas were Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and general secretary Carlos del Pino Muñoz. Pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo was also reported denied. Sources indicate that all Cuban players and other coaches except Lazo have received visas.
Immediate impact on WBC preparations
The loss of federation executives and a key pitching coach could complicate logistics, strategy meetings and bullpen planning ahead of the tournament and scheduled exhibition games in Arizona against the Kansas City Royals and Cincinnati Reds. With most players cleared, the on-field roster looks intact, but last-minute staff absences can disrupt warmups and in-game adjustments.
Official response and background
Cuban federation officials criticized the U.S. response, saying it "ignores the reasons on which they are based, the most basic principles of sport, and the commitments assumed by the host countries of such events." U.S. officials say those denied are executives and officials rather than competing athletes. Cuba is listed among several countries with travel restrictions to the United States.
Implications for the tournament and betting markets
Bookmakers and bettors should expect short-term line volatility around Cuba’s early games. If staff absences are viewed as a meaningful disruption, markets may move against Cuba, creating potential value for bettors willing to wait for clarity. Conversely, if pitching and roster stability are confirmed, early underpricing of Cuba could offer a buying opportunity for supporters who trust the team’s prior WBC performance.
Context: travel restrictions and precedents
Cuba is among a group of countries with U.S. travel restrictions that have affected sports teams in the past. Last year a Venezuelan club was denied visas and missed an international tournament.
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The Cuban federation says it will analyze next steps and inform stakeholders in due course.
Chicago Tribune