Barcelona boss Xavi’s US visa rejected with ‘complicated situation’ with travel ban over Iran visits while at Al Sadd
BARCELONA boss Xavi has been unable to enter the United States after having his visa application rejected.
The Catalan giants kicked off their US tour with a 6-0 trouncing of Phil Neville's Inter Miami last night without Xavi on the touchline.
The 42-year-old had been left at home after having his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) application turned down.
According to the , the issue has arisen due to Xavi's visits to Iran while playing for Al Sadd.
People that have been to Iran, as well as Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen after March 1, 2011 do not qualify for an ESTA.
Xavi's brother Oscar Hernandez took charge of Barca's friendly with Inter Miami.
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Hernandez also assisted Xavi at Al Sadd, but the Barca boss' ESTA issues are said to stem from his visits to Iran as a player rather than coach.
Despite tasting a 6-0 victory, Oscar is hoping for a swift resolution to the situation.
He said after the game: "Hopefully it will be my first and last game.
"The situation is complicated and is not easy for Xavi, but let's hope a solution is found and tomorrow he can be with us.
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"We are very happy, because despite being a friendly, things have been seen.
"Those at the front have been very switched on and deploying mechanisms that we have worked on.
"We have to create competitiveness and that is how we will grow."
Should Xavi not be able to gain entry to the US, Oscar will have to take charge of further friendlies against Real Madrid, Juventus and New York Red Bulls.
Goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raphinha, Ansu Fati, Gavi, Memphis Depay and Ousmane Dembele saw Barca rout Inter Miami.
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The match also saw Barca stars come up against Phil Neville's son Harvey, as well as David Beckham's boy Romeo.
While Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong was in action, replacing Franck Kessie in the second half.
