Puerto Rico pulls out of women’s baseball World Cup Qualifiers in Venezuela

The women’s national baseball team will sit out the World Cup Qualifiers in Venezuela later this month after the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation received a recommendation from the island State Department warning of security risks related to diplomatic tensions between the United States and the host country.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation (FBPR by its initials in Spanish) announced Thursday that the women’s national team will not participate in the World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for later this month in Venezuela, after receiving a recommendation from the State Department and Secretary Rosachely Rivera Santana, who warned of security risks related to diplomatic tensions between the United States and the South American country.

“We regret having to make this decision, but we understand that it is the most responsible and sensible one to protect the safety of our players and all the Women’s National Team staff,” FBPR President Dr. José Daniel Quiles said in a written statement.

The federation leader recognized the effort and commitment of the players and coaching staff, who have been preparing intensively for the international event over the past few months.

“We want to thank our players and coaching staff for their dedication during this preparation phase,” Quiles added. “Puerto Rico will continue to seek alternatives to ensure our Women’s Team can participate on international stages and continue to represent our island with dignity.”

The FBPR notified the president of the WBSC (World Baseball Softball Confederation) Americas, Aracelis León, of the decision, who expressed her gratitude for the efforts made by the federation to participate in the tournament.