The Minister of People’s Power for Youth and Sports, Mervin Maldonado, denounced the Canadian government on Tuesday for not issuing the visas that by right correspond to the men’s national basketball team that will play against their quintet this Thursday, November 10.
The information was released by the minister through his account on the Twitter social network, @ MervinMaldonad0, where he stressed that with this action they violate international regulations on visas for athletes.
“We want to denounce that the government of Canada, in clear violation of international regulations on visas for athletes, has not issued the visas that by right correspond to our national men’s basketball team that will play against Canada this Thursday, November 10
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/vMuUyr0yJQ”
– Mervin Maldonado (@MervinMaldonad0) November 8, 2022
Likewise, he assured that with less than 24 hours remaining from the deadline, the consulate has not issued the respective visas to the athletes.
“(2/2) More than 2 months ago, through the Venezuelan Basketball Federation, they duly applied for the necessary visa and thus participate in this qualifying window for the 2023 World Cup.
Less than 24 hours from the deadline VISAS HAVE NOT YET BEEN ISSUED pic.twitter.com/Bhny5GRGed”
– Mervin Maldonado (@MervinMaldonad0) November 8, 2022
In this regard, the Venezuelan Basketball Federation (FVB), on its Twitter account, @FVBbasketball, confirmed that the senior men’s national team is awaiting a response from the Canadian Consulate in Bogotá and the return of the delegation’s passports.
The FVB carried out on time and through the established channels the corresponding process of applying for the Canadian visa, with the accompaniment of the International Basketball Federation of the Americas.
He noted that the national team was prepared at a sporting and logistical level to face this commitment. He also mentioned that the route to Edmonton, Canada, should have started last Monday, November 7, the date for which air tickets were purchased.
Likewise, he deeply regretted this situation, which affects sports planning not only for this Thursday’s match, but also for the next commitments and for the goal of qualifying for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The national team was prepared at a sporting and logistical level to face this commitment.
“The route to Edmonton, Canada, should have started on Monday, November 7, the date for which the air tickets were purchased.”
– FVB (@FVBbasketball) November 8, 2022
