The transfer of Maykel Reyes (pictured) and Abel Martinez to Mexican club Cruz Azul is a landmark for Cuban football. They are the first players from the country to legally sign a professional football contract since Fidel Castro's government outlawed professionalism in 1961.
The transfer of Maykel Reyes (pictured) and Abel Martinez to Mexican club Cruz Azul is a landmark for Cuban football. They are the first players from the country to legally sign a professional football contract since Fidel Castro's government outlawed professionalism in 1961.
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Long prevented from signing a pro deal overseas, the fortunes for Cuban players changed in 2013 just as long as taxes were paid back to the island's government on any income.
Long prevented from signing a pro deal overseas, the fortunes for Cuban players changed in 2013 just as long as taxes were paid back to the island's government on any income.
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Castro, pictured left with Argentine Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, swept to power in 1959 after his 26th of July Movement overthrew the U.S.-backed authoritarian government of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista. It became the Communist Party in 1965 and remains in power to this day.
Castro, pictured left with Argentine Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, swept to power in 1959 after his 26th of July Movement overthrew the U.S.-backed authoritarian government of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista. It became the Communist Party in 1965 and remains in power to this day.
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Ravaged by poor health, Castro handed power to his brother Raul in 2008. Now 89, he is rarely seen in public, with some media outlets claiming he has passed away. Raul's reign has seen a softening of relations with the West, and a reopening of diplomatic relations with the U.S. in 2015.
Ravaged by poor health, Castro handed power to his brother Raul in 2008. Now 89, he is rarely seen in public, with some media outlets claiming he has passed away. Raul's reign has seen a softening of relations with the West, and a reopening of diplomatic relations with the U.S. in 2015.
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Prior to 2013, many Cubans defected in order to play professionally abroad. At least 30 have done so since 1999, including Yordany Alvarez -- pictured left in 2012 playing for U.S. Major League Soccer team Real Salt Lake.
Prior to 2013, many Cubans defected in order to play professionally abroad. At least 30 have done so since 1999, including Yordany Alvarez -- pictured left in 2012 playing for U.S. Major League Soccer team Real Salt Lake.
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Alvarez and Osvaldo Alonso (pictured) took advantage of the "wet foot, dry foot" policy adopted under former U.S. president Bill Clinton. Those intercepted trying to reach the U.S. via water from Cuba are returned home, while those who make it to American soil are offered a chance to remain. Alonso defected in 2007 and now plays for Seattle Sounders.
Alvarez and Osvaldo Alonso (pictured) took advantage of the "wet foot, dry foot" policy adopted under former U.S. president Bill Clinton. Those intercepted trying to reach the U.S. via water from Cuba are returned home, while those who make it to American soil are offered a chance to remain. Alonso defected in 2007 and now plays for Seattle Sounders.
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In 1999, the Cuban FA thought it had found a solution to giving its home players overseas experience without the need for overseas professional contracts. That year, it loaned the entire Cuban national team to German fourth division club Bonner SC. Cuba sent 15 players, two coaches, an interpreter, a masseur and a chef to the German club for free in an attempt to raise the skill level of its players. With the federation demanding all players remain amateur, Bonner owner Hans-Robert Viol happily accepted an offer that would cost him no more than the price of their accommodation and food, plus some balls, boots and kit which were sent over as a gift to Cuba. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the arrangement was not a success. The German press blasted the move, nicknaming the club FC Fidel, and the district president denied the players the required visas. No more attempts were made by the Cuban FA to control the transfer of players abroad until now.
In 1999, the Cuban FA thought it had found a solution to giving its home players overseas experience without the need for overseas professional contracts. That year, it loaned the entire Cuban national team to German fourth division club Bonner SC. Cuba sent 15 players, two coaches, an interpreter, a masseur and a chef to the German club for free in an attempt to raise the skill level of its players. With the federation demanding all players remain amateur, Bonner owner Hans-Robert Viol happily accepted an offer that would cost him no more than the price of their accommodation and food, plus some balls, boots and kit which were sent over as a gift to Cuba. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the arrangement was not a success. The German press blasted the move, nicknaming the club FC Fidel, and the district president denied the players the required visas. No more attempts were made by the Cuban FA to control the transfer of players abroad until now.
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Although the prospect of going overseas is seen by many as a chance for the national team to improve, football historian Mario Lara sounds a note of caution. "Although there's no doubt that having players in competitive leagues should raise the level of those players, I don't believe that this will be the magic wand that everyone is hoping for to raise the level of the national team," he said. He cited the need to improve the domestic championship, build more and better pitches, and reduce any corruption within the sport.
Although the prospect of going overseas is seen by many as a chance for the national team to improve, football historian Mario Lara sounds a note of caution. "Although there's no doubt that having players in competitive leagues should raise the level of those players, I don't believe that this will be the magic wand that everyone is hoping for to raise the level of the national team," he said. He cited the need to improve the domestic championship, build more and better pitches, and reduce any corruption within the sport.
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Cuba has long had a sporting pedigree. Recognized as one of the world's best baseball teams, its men have won Olympic gold three times -- most recently in 2004.
Cuba has long had a sporting pedigree. Recognized as one of the world's best baseball teams, its men have won Olympic gold three times -- most recently in 2004.
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Many Cubans have defected in order to play in Major League Baseball (MLB). In December 2015, some returned to their homeland as part of a goodwill tour following the recent thaw in relations between the U.S. and Cuba. Cubans Alexei Ramirez, Jose Dariel Abreu, Brian Pena and Yasiel Puig were among the multinational group.
Many Cubans have defected in order to play in Major League Baseball (MLB). In December 2015, some returned to their homeland as part of a goodwill tour following the recent thaw in relations between the U.S. and Cuba. Cubans Alexei Ramirez, Jose Dariel Abreu, Brian Pena and Yasiel Puig were among the multinational group.
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The group met fans at the Latin American Stadium in Havana. Here, Venezuela's Miguel Cabrera signs autographs.
The group met fans at the Latin American Stadium in Havana. Here, Venezuela's Miguel Cabrera signs autographs.
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Cuba also has a formidable reputation in the world of boxing. It has won 34 gold medals at the Olympics over the years -- Roniel Iglesias being one of two fighters to win a title at London 2012 -- and the country has recently permitted some boxers to enter the ring as professionals.
Cuba also has a formidable reputation in the world of boxing. It has won 34 gold medals at the Olympics over the years -- Roniel Iglesias being one of two fighters to win a title at London 2012 -- and the country has recently permitted some boxers to enter the ring as professionals.
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However, Cuba's national football team has not played at the World Cup since 1938. Last year, it was eliminated from qualifying for the 2018 finals.
However, Cuba's national football team has not played at the World Cup since 1938. Last year, it was eliminated from qualifying for the 2018 finals.
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