Former Spain international, Joan Capdevila has appealed directly to US President Donald Trump, after revealing he was denied permission to enter the United States ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final.
The 48-year-old, who was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad, had planned to reunite with his former teammates and watch La Roja face Argentina at MetLife Stadium with his children.
Capdevila said his application for the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), required for visa-free travel of up to 90 days, was rejected.
“I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!” he wrote on X. “They just told me that I can’t travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied.”
He added that missing the occasion with his children and former teammates was heartbreaking, saying he would be “grateful for life” to anyone who could help resolve the issue. Capdevila also tagged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Spain’s Ministry of Sport in his appeal.
Speaking to Spanish radio station COPE, Capdevila suggested the denial may be linked to his participation in a 2016 exhibition match in Tehran, where a team of La Liga legends played an Iranian all-star side.
Capdevila is the latest high-profile figure to face US entry issues during the tournament. Somali referee Omar Artan was also denied entry before the competition after US officials cited concerns over his alleged association with suspected members of terrorist organisations.
Spain reached only their second World Cup final after defeating France 2-0, while defending champions Argentina booked their place with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
