Colombian soccer federation issued a stark condemnation of death threats directed at midfielder Jaminton Campaz and his family after the nation's abrupt exit from the World Cup.
The threats emerged following a penalty shootout in which Switzerland edged Colombia, with Campaz failing to convert a decisive spot‑kick during extra time.
A Call for Unity Amidst Crisis
Campaz, who currently wears the colors of Argentine club Rosario Central, had been a key figure in Colombia's campaign before the shootout concluded the tournament for the South American side.
In a public appeal on Instagram, the player pleaded for respect and unity, urging fans to remember that sport should never justify aggression.
The federation responded by demanding that the attorney general’s office open an investigation, emphasizing that no athlete should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country.
Officials highlighted the historical weight of such threats, recalling the 1994 murder of defender Andrés Escobar, who was killed after scoring an own goal in that year's World Cup.
While the federation called for solidarity, it also stressed that football must remain a space for unity rather than a breeding ground for violence.