Spain’s World Cup winner Joan Capdevila seeks Donald Trump’s help after US entry denial
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Joan Capdevila playing for Spain against Scotland in a Euro 2012 qualifier at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland on Oct 12, 2010. He was in the World Cup winning team three months earlier.
PHOTO: ACTION IMAGES
Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has appealed to President Donald Trump for help after being denied permission to enter the United States for the July 19 World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina.
Capdevila, a member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team, said on July 18 that his application was rejected because he played in an exhibition match featuring La Liga stars in Iran in 2016. The 48-year-old tagged Trump in a social media post seeking help.
“They just told me that I can’t travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) has been denied,” he wrote in a social media post. ESTA approval is required for visa-free travel to the US.
“Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates 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.”
Reuters has contacted the US State Department for comment.
Capdevila also tagged Spain’s sports ministry in the post and appealed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for assistance. REUTERS