Boca Juniors' main defender was denied a visa to enter the United States and missed the 2025 Club World Cup

The main defender of Argentine football giants Boca Juniors was denied a visa to enter the United States and was unable to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Reuters and other media reported on the 13th Beijing time that Ayton Costa (25) of Boca Juniors was denied an entry visa by the U.S. authorities because he was implicated in a past robbery.

Argentine giants Boca Juniors' main defender Costa (left)

Costa had reached an agreement with the Argentine judiciary in 2023 to suspend execution for a robbery that occurred in 2018, rather than being exempt from trial. The U.S. government denied Costa a visa on the grounds that he was still on probation.

Reuters said: "Circumstances under criminal penalties are grounds for a ban on entry to the United States." The decision comes at a time when the Donald Trump administration is struggling to grant visas to visitors and international students. ”

Costa was scheduled to leave the country on the 11th local time, but after three inquiries at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, it was decided not to issue a visa, and he could only watch his teammates' performances in the Club World Cup on television.

It was also a huge blow for Boca Juniors. Costa is a 'multi-defender' who can play at both left-back and centre-back, and has a lot of tactical value. The club also asked FIFA for arbitration, but it seemed to have no effect. The Argentinian Costa, who previously played for Belgian Real Antwerp, moved to Boca Juniors for a $3.5 million transfer fee earlier this year. Boca Juniors, who compete in Group C of the group stage of this Club World Cup, will play their first match against Benfica (Portugal) at 6 am Beijing time on the 17th.