Cuban team start with 10 men after defections

"They have betrayed their homeland," the official said.

PLAYING ON

The Cuban team is part of an eight-nation tournament in the U.S to determine which two teams will represent North and Central America and the Caribbean in the Beijing Olympics soccer tournament.

The regional soccer governing body CONCACAF, which organises the tournament, said in a statement that the Cuban team would continue to take part despite the absences.

"CONCACAF's sole objective is to ensure the 2008 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament is carried out in the proper manner," a statement said.

"The Cuban Delegation has informed us that they will continue to participate in the tournament. All matches, therefore remain as scheduled."

The defecting players had initially been offered a trial by second-tier professional team Miami FC but the United Soccer Leagues club later backed away from that position after contact with CONCACAF.

"The official position of Miami FC is that it is not right for any athlete, in any sport, to abandon a competition in the middle of it," said club spokesman Marcos Ommati.

"Our first intention was to help but we had to think it through," Ommati said, adding that the players might be offered a chance with the club after they resolved their legal status in the U.S.