World Cup winner Capdevila appeals to Trump after US travel permit
Short overview
Former Spain international Joan Capdevila says his ESTA application to enter the US for the World Cup final has been denied. He has appealed to President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for help, fearing he will miss the match with his children.
Former Spain international Joan Capdevila has appealed to US President Donald Trump for assistance after he says his travel authorization to enter the United States for Sunday's World Cup final was denied. Capdevila, 48, was a member of the Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup and hoped to reunite with former teammates and watch Spain face Argentina in the final at MetLife Stadium.
ESTA Denial Sparks Plea
Visitors traveling to the US for up to 90 days without a visa must apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Capdevila posted on X on Friday: "I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump! They just told me that I can't travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied."
The former Villarreal and Deportivo defender added: "Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 team-mates and this team to cheer them on. I can't believe they're not letting me into the USA... and that I'll miss a moment like this with my kids who love soccer so much. If anyone knows how to fix this, I'll be grateful to you for life."
Capdevila also called on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to help resolve the situation and tagged the Spanish government's ministry of sport in his post.
Possible Reason for Denial
In an interview with Spanish radio station COPE, Capdevila said he believes the denial may be linked to a match he played in Iran in 2016. He was part of a team of La Liga legends that faced an all-star team from Iran in Tehran. BBC Sport has contacted the White House for comment.
Not the First Denial
Capdevila is not the first high-profile individual denied entry to the US for the World Cup. Somali referee Omar Artan was dropped from officiating after being refused entry at Miami International Airport on 8 June due to his "association with suspected members of terror organisations," according to US officials.
World Cup Final Preview
Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium will be the first World Cup final between European champions Spain and Copa America winners Argentina. Spain secured their place in only a second-ever World Cup final by defeating France 2-0 in Dallas on Tuesday. Three-time winners and reigning champions Argentina booked their spot in a second consecutive final after a late comeback to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday.
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