World NewsSeven Cubans Desert National Team |
Seven players from Cuba's Under-23 national team are reported to have deserted the squad during their Olympic Games Qualifying tournament in the United States.
Late on Wednesday night, defender Yendry Diaz and midfielder Eder Roldan were reported to have left the national team camp.The duo joined goalkeeper Jose Manuel Miranda, defenders Erlys Garcia Baron, Yenier Bermudez and Joanni Cartaya Prieto and midfielder Yordan Alvarez.
Those five left the hotel where they were staying after Tuesday's 1-1 draw with the United States.
Reports claim the seven players have flown to California, intending to apply for political asylum and join a club in Major League Soccer.
Diaz told ESPN Deportes that he thought about leaving at the end of the championship, but when five team-mates left, he decided to join them.
"I'm worried about leaving the team, but the others already did it. We cannot do anything else," he said.
"It's a pity. I planned to quit after the tournament. I wanted to earn Cuba a place in the Olympics first.
"I feel fine, but I'm sorry for my team-mates as they will not achieve the dream of playing the Olympic Games because of what has happened.
"I have to study, but I also want to do what I have always wanted - playing in a professional football team. Some friends offered me the chance to stay here and I accepted. I will be a free man."
CONCACAF are analysing the situation of the Cuban national team in the tournament, as coach Raul Gonzalez Triana will not have enough players to fill the bench in the upcoming match against Honduras on Thursday.
Gonzalez Triana will only just be able to name a starting XI, as the squad was reduced to 12 men and forward Roberto Linares was sent off in the United States match.
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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