2010 World Cup champion pleads with Donald Trump for help to see Spain in World Cup final

Joan Capdevila, a key player in Spain's 2010 World Cup victory, faces a significant hurdle in attending the upcoming World Cup final: he has been denied entry into the United States. The former defender, who played for clubs like Espanyol, Atlético de Madrid, and Villarreal, expressed his distress and sought help through social media, directly appealing to Donald Trump and the Spanish Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports.

Capdevila's plea highlights his deep desire to witness Spain compete in what will be only their second World Cup final. He expressed immense disappointment at potentially missing the moment, especially with his children, who share his passion for football. "I need help! Donald Trump, I was just told I cannot travel to the final with my children because my ESTA has been denied. Can anyone help me with this?" he posted, along with a photo of himself and his teammates from the 2010 championship squad.

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I need help! Donald Trump, I was just told I cannot travel to the final with my children because my ESTA has been denied. Can anyone help me with this? I cannot believe that I am not allowed to enter the USA... and miss such a moment with my children who love football so much... Government of Spain If anyone knows how to solve it, I will be eternally grateful.

The reason for the denial of his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is reportedly linked to a 2016 exhibition match Capdevila played in Iran. Under current US regulations, individuals who have visited Iran, a country with restricted travel for US visa purposes since 2015, may be ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program. This program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.

Capdevila explained in a radio interview that his past presence in Iran is the cause of the entry restriction. He conveyed his deep gratitude for any assistance that could resolve the situation, emphasizing how much it meant to him to be present at the final with his former teammates and support the current Spanish team.

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It seems that if you have been to Iran, you cannot enter the United States.