Boca Juniors defender Ayrton Costa DENIED U.S. VISA – out of Club World Cup.

 

Boca Juniors defender Ayrton Costa will not take part in the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States after being denied a visa due to a prior legal issue in Argentina. Costa had been scheduled to travel with the team on Wednesday, but U.S. officials denied his entry application on legal grounds stemming from a criminal complaint related to an aggravated robbery case in 2018.

In 2023, Costa accepted a probationary sentence instead of standing trial for that case. Although that decision allowed him to avoid prison time, U.S. authorities concluded that he is still effectively serving his sentence. Under U.S. immigration law, criminal convictions and ongoing legal obligations can render an individual ineligible for entry into the country.

The visa denial aligns with a wider tightening of U.S. visa policies in recent years, especially concerning individuals with criminal records. Boca Juniors confirmed the development in a statement, saying the defender would miss the tournament. The U.S. embassy in Buenos Aires has not yet issued a comment.

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Costa’s absence is a setback for Boca Juniors as they prepare for the Club World Cup, hosted in the United States. The Argentine club is scheduled to play their opening match against Portuguese side Benfica in Miami on Monday. Costa, a key part of Boca's defense, was expected to travel with the squad but could not obtain the necessary travel clearance in time.

The Club World Cup is a crucial opportunity for Boca to reassert their status on the global stage, and squad depth will be vital. Costa’s exclusion forces manager Diego Martínez to rethink his defensive setup ahead of the high-stakes opener. Boca will now rely more heavily on experienced players in the backline as they face European competition on foreign soil.

This incident serves as a reminder that legal histories can impact international sporting events and player participation. While Boca remains focused on their campaign, the situation adds a layer of complexity to their preparation. Supporters and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and performs without Costa in Miami.