Who is Jose Perez? Cuba's Little League World Series coach goes missing, raising suspicions of defection

Jose Perez, a coach in the Cuban Little League for team Bayamo, left the complex (International Grove) without any explanation. The lack of information about Perez' whereabouts has left everyone bewildered.

He left Saturday night and did not return to the complex.

The Little League organisation's communications senior director Kevin Fountain has issued a statement regarding the matter. The organisation has informed all the appropriate authorities about the incident, and it is not being considered a defection (yet).

Little League also said it supports the Cuban team and that it will ensure they get the best experience.

Fountain's statement read:

“Jose Perez, a coach with Bayamo, Cuba, at the Little League Baseball World Series, left the Little League International Grove late last night, Saturday, August 19, and did not return. Little League International has communicated to all appropriate authorities and will ensure the Bayamo Little League team continues to have the best support and experience while in Williamsport."

The rest of the coaches present with team saw Bayamo lose the game against Panama. The 3-2 defeat resulted in the team's elimination from the Little League World Series.

There is not much more information available at the moment, but things are expected to get clearer soon.

Cuba's team eliminated after Sunday's loss to Panama

In the elimination game, Cuba faced Panama. It was a close contest at Volunteer stadium but Panama's pitching was a little too strong for the Cuban team as they lost by a one run margin.

This victory pushes Panama one step closer to the championship game.

Jose Perez has been located: Updated reports

As per Vizaca magazine, Perez, who went missing on August 19, has now been located in Barcelona, Spain. The details of his journey from a baseball game on the west side of the Atlantic to the European mainlands continue to remain a mystery. Some reports have also claimed that he initially traveled to Mexico before departing for Spain.