Skip to content

Report: Alexis Sanchez missing start of U.S. tour due to visa issues

John Peters / Manchester United / Getty

Alexis Sanchez is yet to join Manchester United on its pre-season tour of the United States as he is still waiting on a visa to enter the country, according to BBC Sport's Simon Stone.

The Chilean has had a 16-month suspended jail sentence hanging over him since February due to unpaid Spanish taxes amounting to €1 million (£886,000). U.S. law states that people found guilty of fraud cannot be granted a visa.

However, the process of entering the U.S. under a waiver scheme is being explored by Sanchez's lawyers, but is taking longer than anticipated.

Sanchez posted a video on Monday showing off a new haircut:

New Style, New Season 💪🏽⚽️ Nuevo look , Nueva temporada 💪🏽

A post shared by Alexis Sanchez (@alexis_officia1) on

Manchester United touched down on the West Coast on Monday to begin a two-and-a-half week trip. The club stated Paul Pogba was a notable absentee after he scored for France in Sunday's World Cup final win over Croatia, but did not mention Sanchez in the news release. Players pictured on the tour include Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian, and exciting prospects Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong.

United's pre-season tour will involve matches against Club America, the San Jose Earthquakes, AC Milan, Liverpool, and Real Madrid.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox