Cuba bursts out of FIBA’s window in Clemente and Mexico will continue to see

The Cuba team would not be present at the third and final FIBA ​​qualifying window from February 17-22 in Puerto Rico, while Mexico is still standing despite reports that the five would be absent from the event.

On Thursday, the SportHD News portal, dedicated to the sport of the Cuban country, indicated that the team from the neighboring island will not come to the window due to visa complications.

Later, the portal quoted http://www.granma.cu/ another homologous medium (www.jit.cu), which published a statement from the Cuban basketball federation confirming the absence.

“The unfortunate decision is due to the epidemiological situation related to COVID-19, which affects the preparation and call-up of our key players. Also the difficulties in guaranteeing a visa for all delegation members ”, the letter reads.

“We will bet on Puerto Rican soil until the last minute, but the situation is beyond our means and we will not disdain the event or the rich history of Cuban basketball, with an incomplete selection and without the required preparation. We have reported on this issue and decision to FIBA ​​Americas, while offering Havana as an alternate venue for the ongoing matches against Canada and the Dominican Republic on a date and terms that are suitable for everyone, ”he added .

Cuba, with a 1-2 record, is part of Group C along with the Dominican Republic, Canada and the Virgin Islands. He will play against the Canadians at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum on the first day of the day.

Despite participating in the second window in November in Indianapolis, Mexico is still suspended from FIBA ​​for non-compliance with statutes. The team members have not yet been announced and Spanish coach Francisco “Paco” Olmos called the situation “frustrating” in a post on Twitter.

“They are late to provide the information, but they are doing the procedure,” said the source, who asked for anonymity.

Mexico will play against Puerto Rico next Friday. Both quintets are in Group D with the United States and the Bahamas. The Americans already have their ticket for the AmeriCup by playing 4-0. Mexico has a 2-2 record and Puerto Rico 1-3, as do the Bahamians. The three best teams in the group will advance to next year’s tournament.

Canada, for its part, already has some of the coaching staff in Puerto Rico and the players are expected to arrive at the weekend. Canadians withdrew from their group’s second event held in the Dominican Republic in November due to complications from the pandemic. FIBA fined Canada $ 227,138 and eliminated one point in the standings. For coming to Puerto Rico, the fine is reduced by half and the point is not cleared.

The Roberto Clemente Coliseum will host a “bubble” format, with no audience in the stands, under strict protocols to prevent COVID-19 infections.