Former Spanish defender Joan Capdevila has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for assistance after being denied authorization to enter the United States for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina. Capdevila, who helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 European Championship, expressed his frustration on social media after his application for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was rejected.
The travel denial stems from Capdevila's participation in a La Liga legends exhibition match in Iran. Under U.S. State Department rules, travelers from visa waiver countries are ineligible for ESTA if they have traveled to Iran after March 1, 2011, and must instead obtain a visa prior to traveling.
In a post on X, the 48-year-old Capdevila wrote that he is devastated at the prospect of missing the match in New Jersey, stating he wanted to cheer on the current Spain squad alongside his 2010 teammates and his children. In addition to tagging President Trump, Capdevila reached out to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Spain's ministry of sport for help.