World Cup winner Capdevila appeals to Trump after US travel permit denied

Former Spain international Joan Capdevila has made a plea to US President Donald Trump for help after he says he was denied a travel permit to enter the United States before Sunday's World Cup final.

Former Spain international and 2010 World Cup winner Joan Capdevila has found himself in an unexpected diplomatic storm. The legendary left-back, who lifted the trophy with La Roja in South Africa, claims he was denied a travel permit to enter the United States ahead of Sunday's World Cup final. In a desperate move, he has publicly appealed to US President Donald Trump for assistance. Capdevila took to social media to share a video in which he emotionally recounted his ordeal. He explained that he had already booked flights and accommodation to attend the final in person, only to be informed by US Customs and Border Protection that his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application had been rejected. This means he cannot enter the US for tourism purposes. "This is unbelievable," Capdevila said in the video. "I am a professional footballer who won the World Cup and European Championship with Spain. I have a clean record with no criminal history. I don't understand why I was denied entry." He then directly addressed Trump: "Mr. President, I ask for your help. Please allow me to enter the United States. I just want to watch a football match." The incident quickly sparked widespread discussion in Spain and across the global football community. Many fans and media expressed sympathy for the former player, while also highlighting the strictness of US visa policies. Analysts noted that while the ESTA system is convenient, it is not foolproof; any minor error in information or background check issues can lead to rejection. However, such a denial for a well-known international athlete is rare. The Spanish Football Federation and some political figures have also shown concern. Reports indicate that the Spanish Embassy in the United States has intervened, attempting to communicate with US authorities to secure a reasonable explanation or solution for Capdevila. However, with only two days left before the final, time is extremely tight. Capdevila, now 46, played for clubs such as Deportivo La Coruña and Villarreal during his career, and was a key member of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad. After retiring, he has remained active in football-related events. His planned trip to the US was part of an activity to watch the World Cup final. As of press time, Trump has not responded to the appeal. Whether Capdevila will be granted entry at the last minute remains uncertain. Nevertheless, this incident has added an unusual twist to the upcoming World Cup final.

World Cup winner Capdevila appeals to Trump after US travel permit denied

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