Jaminton Campaz has faced death threats following Colombia's exit from the 2026 World Cup, according to a statement from the country's football federation on July 10, 2026. The threats came after Colombia lost to Switzerland in a penalty shootout during the round of 16.
Colombian Football Federation Condemns Threats
The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) expressed their condemnation of the threats, stating, "No athlete, nor any member of their inner circle, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting arena." This statement underscores the importance of respect in sports.
During the match, Campaz, who plays for Rosario Central in Argentina, missed a crucial scoring opportunity but successfully converted his penalty during the shootout. His performance has been scrutinized by fans, leading to the recent threats.
Campaz's Emotional Response on Social Media
In response to the backlash, Campaz took to Instagram to share a photo of himself covering his face in frustration. He urged fans for respect, saying, "Football is also made up of difficult moments. 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."
Historical Context of Violence in Colombian Football
The threats against Campaz evoke memories of a tragic incident in 1994, when defender Andres Escobar was murdered following an own goal that led to Colombia's elimination from the World Cup. The Colombian federation has called for an investigation by the attorney general's office to identify and prosecute those responsible for the threats.
Furthermore, the federation emphasized that football should be a space for unity and hope, urging fans to prevent sporting disappointments from escalating into real-world aggression. The call for respect and safety in sports continues to resonate strongly within the community.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
