Barcelona manager Xavi is unable to enter the United States for the start of his club’s pre-season tour, according to reports.
The Spanish giants are embarking on a two-week tour of the States. They will take on Inter Miami on July 20, before an El Clasico fixture against Real Madrid on July 24.
Three days later, Xavi’s side are then scheduled to take on Juventus. They round off the tour with a match against New York Red Bulls on July 31.
The Real Madrid and Juventus matches are part of the Soccer Champions Tour, meaning there is something more than pride on the line for all three sides. However, as it stands, the status of Barcelona’s manager remains unclear.
Why Xavi has been denied US entry
According to a report by Marca, Xavi has had passport issues which have stopped him from entering the United States with Barcelona.
He has had his original Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) application rejected.
The main issue causing the delays, as per reports in Spain, is two trips Xavi made to Iran whilst playing for Al Sadd. Xavi featured in an AFC Champions League match for Al Sadd against Iranian side Persepolis FC in 2019, and another game a year earlier.
When it comes to travelling to the States, advice states that if an individual has travelled to Iran after March 1, 2011, they do not qualify for an ESTA.
In addition, the Daily Mail say that had Xavi’s trips to Iran taken place during his stint as manager of Al Sadd, the delays would have affected more members of his coaching staff.
Furthermore, his brother, Oscar Hernandez, is likely to take charge of Barcelona against Inter Miami.
In a separate report, Marca claim that Barcelona believed that they had fixed the problem on the team’s departure date on Friday. However, the computer at the airport did not give the green light for Xavi to travel.
The club, and its fans in attendance in the States, will be hoping that Xavi is able to travel and coach the team throughout their pre-season tour.
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