Colombia condemn death threats against Jaminton Campaz after World Cup exit
The Colombian football federation has strongly condemned death threats directed at Jaminton Campaz after the midfielder’s extra-time miss contributed to a World Cup shootout exit against Switzerland.
The 24-year-old missed a critical scoring opportunity during the round of 16 tie when his decisive shot went wide of the target.
Following the tense defeat, the Rosario Central player saw his social media accounts flooded with hostile comments and severe intimidation.
As a precaution, the embattled international limited his online interactions and decided against taking the return flight to South America alongside his teammates.
Authorities urged to launch swift investigation
Colombian football officials have urgently requested the country’s attorney general to expedite a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators.
“No athlete, nor any member of their inner circle, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting arena.”
The governing body released a robust statement demanding that sporting disappointments must never translate into real-world aggression.
“Football must be a space for unity, respect, and hope – never a setting for hatred, intimidation or violence.”
Tragic historical echoes for Colombian football
Taking to Instagram, the targeted playmaker shared an image of himself covering his face in frustration alongside a heartfelt plea for respect.
“We may think differently or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear.”
This sinister harassment inevitably evokes tragic memories of a notoriously dark chapter in the South American nation’s sporting history.
During the 1994 tournament in the United States, defender Andres Escobar scored an own-goal in a devastating group-stage loss to the host nation.
Just days after the squad was eliminated and returned home, the beloved centre-back was murdered in the city of Medellin.