The Colombian soccer federation issued a stark condemnation this week after learning that midfielder Jaminton Campaz and his family had been subjected to death threats following the nation’s elimination from the World Cup.
A Dark Shadow Over Colombian Football
Campaz, who currently wears the colors of Rosario Central in Argentina, missed a decisive penalty in a shoot‑out that saw Colombia fall to Switzerland in the round of 16, a moment that intensified the pressure on the squad.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the 24‑year‑old appealed for respect, stating that no passion justifies hatred or living in fear, while the federation urged the attorney general’s office to open an investigation into the threats.
The appeal echoes a tragic episode from 1994, when defender Andrés Escobar was murdered after scoring an own goal in a World Cup match, a reminder that the sport’s stakes can extend far beyond the pitch.
Officials emphasized that football must remain a space for unity and respect, calling on fans, media and authorities to reject any form of intimidation that threatens the integrity of the game.