Harold Aguilera, a 22-year-old Cuban futsal player, has deserted the national team in Viseu, Portugal, where they were preparing for the upcoming 2024 Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan. Aguilera, originally from Camagüey and known for his role as a closure in the team, disappeared after a friendly match against the Ukrainian national team, as reported by the specialized media outlet Play Off Magazine.
The media highlighted that Aguilera played a crucial role in the 2024 Nicaragua Pre-World Cup, where his sole goal in the tournament helped Cuba tie 3-3 against Costa Rica in the semifinals, forcing a penalty shootout that eventually led Cuba to the final. The goal was scored by Aguilera while acting as a goalkeeper in the final moments of the match.
The Cuban team has scheduled three friendly matches in Portugal as part of their preparation for their sixth appearance in the Futsal World Cup. The first two encounters, against Portugal and Ukraine, ended in resounding defeats with scores of 9-0 and 7-0, respectively. The team is set to play their next game against Costa Rica on Sunday, August 25, before traveling to Spain to face local clubs. Subsequently, the team will head to Uzbekistan on September 9.
This defection adds to the exodus of Cuban athletes in the last three years. Evidence of this trend includes 21 athletes competing under different flags in the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In April, Cuban footballer Lázaro Castro left the Cuban futsal team attending the CONCACAF Pre-World Cup Championship in Managua, Nicaragua. Following the departure of the 27-year-old from Pinar del Río, the national team was left with 13 athletes, according to journalist Andy Lans on social media.
In November of last year, two other Cuban futsal players, Ernesto Duanes and Bárbaro Shelier, deserted the national team in Costa Rica, where they were participating in a preparatory match. Additionally, in 2022, futsal players Mario Planchet, Christian Temprano, and Leonardo Acevedo abandoned the official delegation during the U-20 UNCAF FIFA Forward Futsal Tournament held in Guatemala.
Impact of Athlete Defections on Cuban Sports
This section addresses common questions and concerns regarding the wave of athlete defections from Cuba and its impact on the nation's sports scene.
Why are Cuban athletes defecting?
Cuban athletes are defecting primarily due to economic hardships and lack of opportunities within the country. Many seek better professional prospects and personal freedoms abroad.
How does athlete defection impact Cuban sports?
The defection of athletes significantly weakens the national teams, making it challenging to compete at international levels. It also demoralizes remaining team members and reflects poorly on the country's sports administration.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to prevent defections?
The Cuban government has implemented stricter controls and monitoring of athletes during international trips. However, these measures have not entirely stopped the trend of defections.