The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) submits a protest note in anticipation of the 2026 World Baseball Classic
- BaseballdeCuba
- Sep 5, 2025
- 2 min read
The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) announced today that, although they requested it well ahead of time, the organizers of the VI World Baseball Classic have not yet obtained approval from the U.S. government for Cuba's participation in the event.
The press release emphasizes that due to this discriminatory treatment, Cuba has not been invited to submit its preliminary roster of 50 players, a step that all national federations invited to participate in the tournament were required to complete last Monday.
Here is the press release:
NOTE OF PROTEST FROM THE CUBAN BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL FEDERATION (FCBS)
This Monday, September 1, the teams that qualified for the VI World Baseball Classic had to submit their preliminary rosters of 50 players.
The Major League Baseball (MLB) has not officially called upon the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) to finalize this process.
The event organizers have mentioned that, even though they requested it well in advance, they have not received the U.S. government's approval for Cuba's participation. The FCBS condemns the enforcement of a discriminatory policy against Cuban baseball players.
The U.S. regulations barring our athletes from participating in this event contradict the essence of sportsmanship. The whole procedure has been marked by an unwarranted delay, creating uncertainty and impacting the technical process of assembling our roster.
Our nation has suffered from unjust, inequitable, and politically driven actions, which contradict the principles of respect, fairness, and transparency that ought to guide any international competition.
Cuba does not seek special treatment. Cuban baseball players have earned their place in the VI World Baseball Classic through their performance on the field. Our sports history, highlighted by Olympic achievements, world championships, and a widely respected group of athletes, provides us with competitive legitimacy.
The talent, passion, and dedication of Cuba to sports will not be hindered by bureaucratic actions or political exclusions. We will persist in upholding our athletes' right to represent Cuba on equal footing.
Havana, September 5, 2025
Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation
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