:format(png):focal(552x196:562x186)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gfrmedia/LOC55PVY65DCTI2BVCOBHNG5DI.jpg "Cuba cracks out of FIBA’s window at Clemente and Mexico will continue to see")
The Cuba team would not attend the third and final FIBA qualifying window to be held from February 17 to 22 in Puerto Rico, while Mexico is still standing despite reports that the quintet would be absent from the event.
On Thursday, the portal SportHD News, dedicated to the sports 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 http://www.granma.cu/ cited 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 associated with COVID-19, which impacts on the preparation and calling of our main players. Also to difficulties in guaranteeing visas to all the members of the delegation ”, reads the letter.
“Until the last moment, we bet to attend Puerto Rican soil, but the situation is beyond our possibilities and we will not disrespect the event or the rich history of Cuban basketball, presenting an incomplete roster and without the required preparation. We have reported on this problem and decision to FIBA Americas, 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 added.
Cuba, with a 1-2 record, 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.
Despite participating in the second window in November in Indianapolis, Mexico continues to be 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 message on Twitter.
You can’t really understand that after playing Indianapolis express we are still worse than then. Responsible? ???????????? losing credibility …. The group doesn’t deserve it. We know the bonanza times that others enjoyed are over, but not being able to play Fiba is frustrating. pic.twitter.com/qiDX4vUxXy
– Paco Olmos (@olmos_paco) February 10, 2021
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“They are late in delivering information, but they are doing the proceedings,” said the source who requested anonymity.
Mexico is scheduled to play against Puerto Rico next Friday. Both quintets are in Group D with the United States and the Bahamas. The Americans already have their AmeriCup ticket by going 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, for its part, already has part of the coaching staff in Puerto Rico and the players are expected to arrive during the weekend. Canadians withdrew from participating in their group’s second window held in November in the Dominican Republic 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 will be reduced by half and the point will not be erased.
The Roberto Clemente Coliseum will host a ´bubble´ format, with no public in the stands, under strict protocols to avoid COVID-19 infections.
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