Barcelona manager Xavi ‘is STILL unable to enter the US for ‘administrative and passport reasons’ caused by two trips to Iran while he was playing for Al Sadd… with his brother taking over the team for the Inter Miami friendly target
- Barcelona manager Xavi missed his pre-season flight to Miami
- “Administrative and passport issues” meant the Spaniard was not allowed on the plane
- After playing for Al-Sadd in Iran, he needs a special permit to enter the United States
- The issue was reportedly not resolved in time for a friendly against Inter Miami
Barcelona Coach Xavi Hernández is still reportedly unable to resolve his visa issues that have prevented him from entering the United States.
Xavi missed the team flight to the United States earlier this week as the Catalan side worked on a special visa after his initial ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application was rejected.
The problem stems from the fact that Xavi represents his former club Al Sadd several times in Iran and therefore needs a special permit to enter the US.
Travel Advice for the United States dictates that if a person has been to Iran after March 1, 2011, Iraqno longer qualify for an ESTA.
The same problem arises for those who have been to Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Libya or Somalia.
It was an embarrassing oversight for Barcelona ahead of their pre-season trip to the USA and while they were confident of sorting it out, registration sign that Xavi stays grounded in Spain.
Barcelona coach Xavi is reportedly still unable to resolve his visa issues to enter the United States
Barcelona start their pre-season campaign against David Beckham’s Inter Miami on Tuesday
Barcelona play Inter Miami on Tuesday 19 July and the club had hoped their problems would be resolved by then.
Marca’s report adds that Xavi’s brother Oscar will be in charge of the squad for their friendly against Inter Miami as a timely solution is not found.
Barcelona are perhaps lucky that the issue focuses on Xavi’s trips to Iran as a player at Al Sadd rather than as a manager, which would have influenced the rest of the coaching staff.
The Spaniard played four seasons for Qatari club Al-Sadd – causing problems with entry
Aside from Xavi, the rest of the first-team were flown out on Friday and are now being briefed by their manager remotely, jeopardizing their preparation for the season.
After Miami, the Catalan side travel to Las Vegas, where they face Real Madrid for the second time in history on US soil after their 2017 encounter at Hard Rock Stadium.
They then travel to Dallas to take on Juventus before concluding the tour on July 30 against the New York Red Bulls.
Xavi will be wanting to work with the first-team squad as soon as possible after announcing the signing of Leeds winger Raphinha – as well as target No 1 Robert Lewandowski.
Raphinha was officially unveiled as a Barcelona player at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper
