Colombia federation condemns death threats to midfielder Campaz after World Cup exit

The Colombian Football Federation on Friday condemned death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz and his family after the team's World Cup exit, urging authorities to investigate the abuse and identify those behind it.

In Short

• Campaz received abuse after missing a key chance in shootout defeat to Switzerland
• Federation urged authorities to find culprits and make football a violence-free sport
• Threats brought back memories of Andrés Escobar's killing after 1994 World Cup

The Colombian Football Federation has condemned the death threats made against midfielder Jminton Campaz and his family following the national team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling on authorities to identify those responsible and stressing that football should never become a platform for violence.

Colombia's campaign ended on Tuesday after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 16 following a tense goalless draw in Vancouver. Campaz, who plays for Argentine club Rosario Central, came under heavy criticism after missing a golden opportunity in extra time when he fired wide with the match still level.

In the aftermath of the defeat, Campaz's social media accounts were flooded with abusive messages and death threats. The midfielder restricted comments on his posts and, as a precaution, did not return to Colombia with the rest of the squad.

"No athlete, nor any member of their inner circle, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting arena," the federation said in a statement on Friday.

The federation also confirmed that it had asked Colombia's attorney general's office to expedite an investigation to identify those behind the threats.

"Football must be a space for unity, respect and hope, never a setting for hatred, intimidation or violence," the statement said, urging supporters not to allow sporting disappointment to turn into real-world aggression.

Campaz also addressed the abuse in a post on Instagram, sharing a photograph of himself covering his face in frustration after the defeat.

"Football is also made up 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."

Colombia left the World Cup unbeaten in normal time but with another painful penalty shootout defeat. They topped Group K after victories over Uzbekistan and DR Congo and a draw against Portugal before beating Ghana in the Round of 32 to set up a last-16 meeting with Switzerland.

The South Americans held Switzerland to a 0-0 draw through 120 minutes in Vancouver, but their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals ended when they lost 4-3 in the shootout.

It was another painful exit from the spot, with Colombia also eliminated on penalties at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 and 2021 Copa America tournaments.

The threats against Campaz have also revived memories of one of the darkest episodes in Colombian football history. Following the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, defender Andrs Escobar was murdered in Medellin days after scoring an own goal in a 2-1 defeat to the hosts, a tragedy that continues to cast a shadow over the country's football history.

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