Spain star says ‘I don’t want to go to prison’ over Donald Trump handshake | Football | Sport
Spain striker Borja Iglesias confirmed that he will reluctantly shake Donald Trump’s hand at the World Cup final, despite criticising the US President for “struggling with fundamental values”. Iglesias has been outspoken on human rights issues in the past and is part of the squad to face Argentina on Sunday evening.
Trump will be at the match, despite not attending a single World Cup game before the final, and is expected to hand the trophy to the victorious side. Spain could win a second title, but Iglesias has opened up on the conflicting nature of meeting Trump should he end up a World Cup champion.
“There’s a protocol and a commitment to fulfil out of politeness, even though what my gut tells me to do differs from what I should do,” he said.
“I like people who fight for progress and for fundamental values to be upheld, and I think Trump struggles with that.”
The forward has now offered further insight into that possible encounter, but acknowledged he will shake hands with the President.
“I don’t want to go to prison,” Iglesias told Spanish press. “I hope to greet him at a time when we are all very happy, and that it passes very quickly and I can forget about it.
“I don’t think this is the time to create controversy. People know perfectly well what I think. I would love to do many things, but the reality is that even if people think I am all-powerful, I don’t have that much power to tackle certain things.”
Iglesias has featured only occasionally at this summer’s tournament, yet has never shied away from speaking his mind on a number of on-field matters in recent years.
He has repeatedly spoken out against homophobia and thrown his weight behind pro-Palestine protests. The forward also hit out at former Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales after he was convicted of sexual assault for kissing a player following the Women’s World Cup final three years ago.
Iglesias’ comments come after Spanish legend Joan Capdevila made a public appeal to Trump for assistance after being refused a visa to attend the final.
The 2010 World Cup winner claimed he was denied entry after participating in a match in Iran, writing: “I NEED HELP. They just told me that I can’t travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied.
“Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this team to cheer them on.
“I can’t believe they’re not letting me into the USA… and that I’ll miss a moment like this with my kids who love soccer so much. If anyone knows how to fix this, I’ll be grateful to you for life.”
