World Classic a Flop without Cuba
Pan American Baseball Confederation (COPABE) President Eduardo de Bello asserted if the US persists in barring the Cuban baseball team from entering the so-called World Classic would lose the International Baseball Federation´s support (IBF).

De Bello, also member of IBF leadership, told various correspondents if the island does not participate in the World Baseball Classic Championship, it would neither be backed by the international body nor attended by national federations.

The COPABE leader, who criticized Washington´s decision anew, recently assured Cuba had the right to play, because of its condition as Olympic and World Champion, and reminded that Havana permits US players to play on its soil.

The event is sponsored by the Major League Baseball Organizationand (MLB) supported by the IBF.

Outstanding players like Panamanian Carlos Lee, slugger of the Milwaukee Brewers, have championed for Cuban attendance at the event, stressing the US measure damages the sport and its nature.

Meanwhile, The Cuban Federation, which called the US decision ridiculous and embarrassing, proposed to organizers that income obtained by the World Champion in the event be destined to Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans.

A few days ago, Washington´s Office for Foreign Actives Control (OFAC) announced the participation of Cuban players was rejected as each would have income from the event.

This was immediately criticized by different figures, Olympic Committee leaders, MLB representatives and about 80 US congressmen.

For its part, Puerto Rico, one of the World Classic venues, has expressed doubt about sponsoring the event if Cubans are unable to participate.

Cuba has won the World Champion title