Spain's Joan Capdevila asks Trump for help after US blocks trip to World Cup final

WASHINGTON: Former Spain international Joan Capdevila has turned to US President Donald Trump after being unable to secure permission to travel to Sunday's World Cup final in the United States.

Capdevila, who was part of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad, said his Electronic System for Travel Authorization had been refused, preventing him from attending the match with his children. In a social media post, he said the issue stemmed from his participation in a 2016 exhibition game in Iran involving LaLiga players.

Capdevila, 48, said he had hoped to join his former 2010 teammates and support the current Spain side in the final against defending champions Argentina. He also tagged Trump's account in the post, appealed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and included Spain's sports ministry in his request for assistance.

In the post, Capdevila wrote:

They just told me that I can't travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) has been denied.

He added:

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.