Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has been denied permission to enter the United States ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
Capdevila, who was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad, said his application for travel authorisation was rejected because he had played in an exhibition match involving former La Liga stars in Iran in 2016.
The 48-year-old posted on social media, expressing his disappointment at missing the final, where Spain will bid for a second World Cup title. He had planned to attend the match with his children and reunite with several members of Spain’s 2010 squad.
“They just told me I can’t travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied,” Capdevila wrote, referring to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization required for visa-free entry into the United States.
“I can’t believe they’re not letting me into the USA and that I’ll miss a moment like this with my kids.”
In an attempt to resolve the issue, Capdevila appealed directly to US President Donald Trump through social media. He also tagged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Spain’s sports ministry, seeking assistance before Sunday’s final.
According to Capdevila, his participation in the exhibition match in Iran appears to have led to the rejection of his travel authorisation.
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