International Trade Law News

The U.S. national soccer team defeated Cuba last night in Havana by a score of 1 - 0. As we have reported, this was the first time the U.S. has played a soccer game in Havana since 1947.

The Washington Post has a good story on the game here. The article notes that there was a small contingent of U.S. soccer fans traveled to Cuba illegally:

Several American fans entered the country without permission from the U.S. government, using a third country as a travel hub. As long as their passports do not get stamped in Cuba -- Cuban immigration will grant such requests -- their previous whereabouts will not be detected by U.S. customs [sic]. To remain anonymous, they arrived at the stadium in olive military caps, sunglasses and U.S. bandanas covering their faces.

It is well known that many Americans travel to Cuba via Canada and Mexico. However, that does not necessarily mean they will always escape detection upon entry into the U.S. OFAC often brings cases against U.S. persons for engaging in unlicensed travel-related transactions incident to trips to Cuba via third countries.

The U.S. and Cuba will play the second game in their World Cup qualifying series in Washington, DC on October 11, 2008. See this link for ticketing information.

Labels: Cuba