Former Spain star Capdevila seeks Trump's help after US entry denial

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has publicly appealed to President Donald Trump for help entering the U.S. to watch Sunday's World Cup final after his travel authorization was denied. His ESTA application was rejected due to his participation in an exhibition match in Iran years ago.

What happened

Capdevila, a 2010 World Cup winner, posted on X: "I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!" Source: AP News. He also tagged Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Spain's sports ministry. He wants to join his 2010 teammates in New Jersey to support the current Spain squad against Argentina.

The reason

The U.S. ESTA program denies eligibility to travelers who have visited Iran after March 1, 2011, unless they obtain a visa. Capdevila played in a legends exhibition match in Tehran. Sources disagree on the year: AP News reports the match took place "a decade ago" (implying around 2015) Source: AP News, while Ground News states it was in 2016 Source: Ground News.

The reaction

Capdevila expressed disappointment and urgency. The State Department requires travelers from visa waiver countries to follow the rule. The Department of Homeland Security has been asked for comment Source: AP News.

• ESTA denial bars Capdevila from visa-free travel; he must apply for a visa.
• Disagreement on year: AP says ~2015, Ground says 2016.
• Capdevila's plea on X gained attention.