Home » Salvador Hidalgo for WoV: “FIVB – Just let me play!”

Salvador Hidalgo for WoV: “FIVB – Just let me play!”

by WoV

We all know about the Cuban players and all of their problems with “Federacion Cubana De Voleibol”, but there is one unique case that isn’t like any other. Salvador Hidalgo was born in former USSR (now Russia) in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) but spent major part of his early life in Cuba. Still he never played for the Cuban NT and he wants to be able to play for Germany since he got the citizenship but FIVB doesn’t allow it! Why? Let’s hear it from the Hidalgo itself:

Hidalgo

Hidalgo

I don’t know what is the problem with FIVB, I wish I know but for the last three years neither me nor German Federation got the straight answer from FIVB, why am I not able to play for Germany. It’s really frustrating and unfair. I have never played for Cuba so I’m not obligated to respect the decisions from their federation. Everything I did was attend National Volleyball School in Havana but that’s all, after I turned 18 I went to Germany to study and play volleyball so I must repeat myself and say I have never played for Cuban or any other national teams!

How did the German Federation approach this problem?

“They did everything they could, honestly, including myself. We got everything solved as far as the documentation and paperwork goes, I have my regular citizenship and want my right to choose the national team I want. In almost every other sport you have that right. Football players with the dual citizenship can straight up choose the country without Federations even giving a thought about it. Also I want to know how can Aguero play for Italy but I can’t for Germany, what is the difference?”

Is there any solution on the horizon?

“It’s sad to say but I don’t see it. I mean, I will never stop dreaming and fighting for my rights, never. It really saddens me to be part of this process where FIVB as the major World organization which controls and runs everything that includes volleyball, can’t make one simple, reasonable decision! We all know what Cuban federation is when it comes to this matter. So then I ask, how can FIVB’s explanation be: “Cuba said No and there is nothing we can do about it”, is Cuban federation above FIVB? It seems like it.”

 

Check out Salvador Hidalgo’s profile on WoV Community.

If you wish to check out more interesting interviews, visit our Interviews page. 

Also check out Latest news

Related Articles

Leave a Comment

four + 4 =

WorldOfVolley

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close