Joan Capdevila Appeals to Trump for U.S. Entry Ahead of World Cup Final
Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has publicly appealed to President Donald Trump for help in gaining entry to the United States for the World Cup final.
Capdevila, who played a crucial role in helping Spain secure their only men’s World Cup title in 2010, faces the possibility of missing Sunday’s match after his application for visa-free travel was denied due to a prior visit to Iran.
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The 48-year-old took to X on Friday night, stating: “I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!”
He noted that his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application had been rejected and sent a separate message to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio while tagging the Spanish government’s ministry of sport in his appeal.
Capdevila expressed his desire to attend the game in New Jersey “with all my 2010 teammates” to support the current Spain squad.
Capdevila helped Spain secure their only men’s World Cup title in 2010 (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Capdevila was a vital player during Spain’s golden era, starting in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands and being part of the squad that won the 2008 European Championship.
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The complications regarding his travel stem from an exhibition match he participated in ten years ago, where he was part of a Spanish La Liga legends team that played against Iranian all-stars in Tehran.
According to U.S. State Department regulations, travelers from “visa waiver” countries can usually enter with an ESTA. However, the program specifies that individuals who have traveled to Iran after March 1, 2011, are ineligible for ESTA and “must obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United States.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the visa waiver program and ESTA, has been contacted for comment regarding this matter.
