Colombia condemns death threats against Jaminton Campaz after World Cup exit

The Colombian Football Federation on Friday condemned death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz and his family following the national team’s elimination from the World Cup.

Colombia’s tournament ended in a penalty shootout defeat against Switzerland in the round of 16 on Tuesday. During extra time, Campaz – who plays for Argentine club Rosario Central – missed a crucial scoring opportunity when his shot went wide.

After the match, the player’s social media accounts were flooded with negative comments and threats. He decided to limit comments on his social media and, as a precaution, did not take the flight back to his home country with his teammates.

“No athlete, nor any member of his inner circle, should be subjected to harassment for representing his country in a sporting arena,” the federation said in a statement.

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On InstagramCampaz shared a photo of himself covering his face in frustration, alongside a plea for respect.

“Football also consists of difficult moments,” he wrote. “My Colombia, please let us never lose sight of respect. We may think differently or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear.”

In response to the harassment, the Colombian federation urged the country’s attorney general’s office to expedite an investigation to identify those behind the threats.

“Football should be a space for unity, respect and hope – never a setting for hatred, intimidation or violence,” the federation said, calling on fans to ensure disappointment in the sport never translates into real aggression.

The threats evoke a dark chapter in Colombian football history. During the 1994 World Cup in the United States, defender Andrés Escobar scored an own goal in a 2-1 defeat against the host country. Days after the team was eliminated and returned home, Escobar was murdered in Medellín.

Published on July 11, 2026