Cuba is cutting the FIBA ​​window in the Clement and Mexico will continue to see

The Cuban team would not attend the third and final qualifying window of FIBA ​​to be held from 17 to 22 February in Puerto Rico, while Mexico is still standing despite reports that the quintet would be absent from the event.

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

Later, the portal http://www.granma.cu/ quoted another counterpart media (www.jit.cu), which published a statement from the Cuban Basketball Federation confirming the absence.

“The unfortunate decision is due to the epidemiological situation associated with COVID-19, which impacts the preparation and convening of our main players. Also to difficulties in guaranteeing the visa to all members of the delegation,” reads the letter.

“Until the last moment we bet on attending Puerto Rican land, but the situation exceeds our possibilities and we will not disrespect the event or the rich history of Cuban basketball, presenting an incomplete payroll and without the required preparation. and decision at FIBA ​​Américas, and at the same time we offer Havana as an alternative venue for the pending matches against Canada and the Dominican Republic, on a date and conditions suitable for all, ”he adds.

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

Although it participated in the second window in November in Indianapolis, Mexico is still suspended from FIBA ​​for non-compliance with some statutes. The members of the team have not yet been announced and Spanish leader Francisco “Paco” Olmos described the situation as “frustrating” in a message on Twitter.

“They are behind in the delivery of information, but they are doing the due diligence,” the source said, requesting anonymity.

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

Canada, meanwhile, already has part of the coaching staff in Puerto Rico and the players are expected to arrive over the weekend. The Canadians gave up participating in the second window of their group held in November in the Dominican Republic due to complications with the pandemic. FIBA fined Canada $ 227,138 and eliminated a point in the standings. To come to Puerto Rico, the fine will be halved and the point will not be erased.

Coliseum Roberto Clemente will be housed in a ‘bubble’ format, with no public in the stands, under strict protocols to prevent COVID-19 infections.