- Breel Embolo was unable to fly to the training camp in Los Angeles with the Swiss national team.
- His already approved ESTA form was checked at short notice – the SFV expects a follow-up trip in the next few days.
- Stars like Amy Winehouse, Daniel Radcliffe and Amir Khan have also failed to pass US entry regulations in the past.
Just before he left for the World Cup in the USA, Breel Embolo was slowed down by immigration problems. The striker was allowed to return on Tuesday due to a short-term review of his condition ESTA form that has already been approved not flying with the team to Los Angeles. After all: The SFV expects that the 29-year-old will be able to travel there in the next few days.
The Nati star is not alone with his problems. It has been shown time and again over the years that entry can be a stumbling block even for international stars and sports aces. Visa application errorslegal problems or security concerns have led to well-known personalities being turned away at the US border in several high-profile cases.
John Lennon (1970s)
The ex-Beatle fought for years against US authorities who wanted to deport him to Britain because of a previous drug conviction. The case developed into a political dispute before Lennon received a green card in 1976.
Diego Maradona (1994)
Football icon Diego Maradona clashed with the US authorities on several occasions. During the 1994 World Cup, his visa was revoked after a positive cocaine test. Years later, another case made headlines: media reported that he had been refused entry again after he publicly insulted US President Donald Trump.
Yusuf Islam (2004)
Yusuf Islam, better known as Cat Stevens, also made big headlines. The musician was detained after landing in Washington in 2004 and sent back to Great Britain. The US authorities cited security concerns and a so-called no-fly list. Islam denied all allegations and was later allowed to re-enter the USA.
Lily Allen (2007)
Singer Lily Allen lost her US work visa in 2007. The background was an arrest in Great Britain after an argument with a photographer. Although no charges were filed, the incident affected her travel plans and appearances in the United States.
Amy Winehouse (2008)
Amy Winehouse had a similar experience. The British singer did not receive a visa in 2008 and was therefore unable to attend the Grammy Awards in person. The reason was her legal and drug-related problems at the time. Despite her absence, she won five Grammys that evening and was broadcast live from London.
Boy George (2008)
The Culture Club singer was denied a US visa after being convicted in Great Britain of false imprisonment. This forced him to cancel a North American tour. The ban was later lifted.
Daniel Radcliffe (2014)
The story was particularly embarrassing for actor Daniel Radcliffe. The “Harry Potter” star was not allowed to return to the USA in 2014 after a trip to Canada. The reason was an administrative error with his new visa. Only after the formalities had been clarified could he continue his journey.
Amir Khan (2015)
Boxer Amir Khan also experienced an unpleasant surprise in 2015. On the way to Las Vegas he was denied entry at short notice. It later emerged that there was apparently a mix-up of identities behind the decision. After legal clarifications, the Brit was finally allowed to travel.
How do you feel about the fact that even celebrities like Breel Embolo fail because of US entry regulations?
In all of these cases, the prominence of those affected was apparently not enough to circumvent the strict entry regulations. It remains to be hoped that the difficulties in the case of Nati star Breel Embolo will soon be resolved so that he can fly to the USA in time for the first training sessions.
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Reto Bollmann (bre), born in 1991, has been supporting the 20 Minuten news desk as editor since the end of 2021. He has a preference for political, scientific and historical topics.
