Cuban women's volleyball team denied U.S. visa to compete in Puerto Rico

The Cuban women's national volleyball team was denied a chance to play in a tournament in Puerto Rico following the new visa restrictions imposed by U.S.

HAVANA — The Cuban women's national volleyball team was denied a chance to play in a tournament in Puerto Rico following the new visa restrictions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Cuban Volleyball Federation said last week that the team, comprising 12 athletes, a referee and several coaches, had their visa request denied and will be unable to attend the tournament later this month.

"The disappointment is huge because I train every day, every hour of training is leading up to this and dedicate myself to it," national team player Laura Suarez told The Associated Press. "It's really disappointing not to be able to participate in the competition, which is what I've been preparing myself for.

Cuba was scheduled to play in the NORCECA Women's Final Four tournament in Manatí, Puerto Rico. The tournament includes Puerto Rico, Mexico and Costa Rica and it awards ranking points toward qualification for the Volleyball Nations League.

"We were focused on the competition because it's right there," said Dayana Martínez, another player. "Arriving at the embassy and being denied the visa affects us a lot because that competition gives us points to improve our ranking,"