Cuban Athletes Reportedly Abandon Team in Chile

Six Cuban athletes have reportedly abandoned their national team while in Chile for the Pan American Games. The athletes have not yet requested asylum in Chile.

The Chilean government announced on Monday that it has not received any requests for asylum from six Cuban athletes who reportedly abandoned their national team during the recently concluded Pan American Games. Camila Vallejo, a government spokesperson, stated that none of the athletes have made any formal requests to the authorities.

Cautious Approach

Deputy Interior Minister Manuel Monsalve urged caution in labeling the situation as a defection, emphasizing that the athletes are legally present in the country and have a visa that allows them to stay for up to three months. He said, "It is important to remember that the athletes who participated in the Pan American Games have a visa that allows them to stay in Chile for 90 days. Their visas can be renewed for another 90 days."

Reported Desertion

The alleged desertion involves five members of Cuba's female field hockey team and one male track-and-field athlete. Cuban journalist Francys Romero first reported the incident on social media, stating that the five hockey players "left the accommodations around noon" after losing 3-0 against Uruguay. The sixth athlete who left was said to be a man who won a bronze medal in the 400-meter hurdles.

Government Response

Vallejo acknowledged that the case is a concern for the government and reiterated that established procedures exist for handling such situations. She explained that if and when a request is made, it will be channeled through the National Migration Service.

Unconfirmed Reports

Local media outlets reported on Monday that the number of Cuban athletes who left the Pan American Village in the Chilean capital may have increased to seven. However, Monsalve stated that it is too early to confirm this information and further investigation is required.

Visa Regulations

Monsalve emphasized that the athletes entered Chile legally and had valid visas, allowing them to remain in the country for 90 days. He added that the visas can be extended for an additional 90 days if necessary.

The situation involving the Cuban athletes has drawn attention to the issue of defections and asylum requests in Chile. The government has emphasized the need to follow established procedures and has indicated that it will address any requests made by the athletes in accordance with the law.