Logo of the Cuban Baseball Federation

Havana, December 21 (RHC)-- The Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) has denied having participated in a meeting with U.S. government officials regarding the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

In a tweet, the FCB added that the U.S. authorities "have not yet granted permission for athletes of Cuban origin" to take part in the event.

On the 7th, the Caribbean entity denounced that the U.S. administration is boycotting the integration of the Cuban team to the fifth edition of the baseball event, by denying permission to athletes who play in the Major Leagues.

The most prestigious baseball tournament is scheduled from March 8 to 21, 2023, and Havana maintains the aspiration of forming a team with players from the national championships and other leagues of the world.

For not having another authorization, Cuba was not invited to participate in the preparatory phase of the event, nor was it asked to submit the list of the 50 eligible athletes, as was done with the rest of the countries.

The discriminatory treatment against Cuba by the U.S. Government is regrettable and the Cuban Baseball Federation firmly rejects it. The motivations are purely political and threaten the exercise and enjoyment of the sport, said the FCB at that time.

Weeks ago, the Cuban sports institution announced that it had the approval of Major League Baseball players to join the national team, such as Andy Ibañez and Yoan Lopez, whose participation remains in doubt.