Volleyball Star's "Epic Journey" to Join German Team
Longtime Portuguese club player Jose Israel Masso Alvarez, now a Cuban volleyball international, finally touched down at VfB Friedrichshafen after an "epic journey" filled with visa delays. The Bundesliga club announced earlier this month that Masso was scheduled to join them at the beginning of November following his international matches. However, an "odyssey of emails, appointments, and phone calls with authorities" lasted until last week before he could make it to Friedrichshafen on Friday.
"Masso's arrival required drastic measures," stated VfB managing director Thilo Späth-Westerholt. In his previous two years, Masso played for Sporting Lisbon, and now, he aims to strengthen middle blocker positions under head coach Mark Lebedew.
"I despaired at times as the process became enormously complicated," admitted Masso. "I was seriously concerned I wouldn't make it halfway through."
His international success as a middle blocker for Sporting Lisbon will now translate to VfB Friedrichshafen's Volleyball Bundesliga team. Though encountering bureaucratic hurdles, including the visa ordeal, Masso persevered to join VfB Friedrichshafen last week.
Athlete visa processes can become complicated, often involving steps such as demonstrating eligibility, supplying necessary documentation, completing applications, undergoing background checks, and awaiting approval. If unique circumstances or complications marked Masso's visa process, it would be highlighted by sports news, official statements, or reports from sports organizations. This specific information tailored to his situation is most accurately obtained through such sources.
