Joan Capdevila was a member of Spain’s World Cup winning squad in 2010 but has been denied entry into the USA ahead of Sunday’s final.
Visa issues have been one of the many controversial themes running throughout this tournament.
Spain's team was STACKED with superstars the last time they played Argentina… how many of their current XI make it into this team?
Isco netted a hat-trick that day…
Fans and match officials have been denied ESTAs to enter the United States during the World Cup and Capdevila, who played in every minute of his country’s win in 2010, is among the latest.
Now, he has shared why he thinks his application for entry ahead of Spain’s World Cup final with Argentina in New Jersey has been rejected.
Capdevila says playing in Iran ten years ago cost him US entry
Asked about the situation by Spanish outlet COPE, the former defender said: “The ESTA has been denied to me because I played a match in Iran ten years ago.”
The 48-year-old thinks the fact he played in Iran for a Spanish legends team in Tehran back in 2016 just before retiring is the reason for the denial.
Indeed, Capdevila asked US President Donald Trump for help with his ESTA but it now seems unlikely that he will be able to watch his team compete for their second World Cup title.
Those who travelled to Iran after March 1, 2011 may be denied visas to enter the country.
European champions Spain will face defending world champions Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
They beat France 2-0 in Dallas to make a statement after a solid but impressive campaign up until that point.
Argentina then booked their spot in the final by coming from behind to beat old rivals England 2-1 in Atlanta.
The first meeting between Spain and Argentina at a World Cup in 1966, it is also the first time the European champions have faced the South American champions in the biggest game that soccer has to offer.
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