The Colombian soccer federation has issued a stark condemnation of death threats directed at midfielder Jaminton Campaz and his family in the wake of the nation's abrupt exit from the World Cup.
The warning follows a tense penalty shootout in which Colombia fell to Switzerland, a match that saw Campaz miss the decisive spot‑kick that would have kept the tournament alive for the South American side.
In a formal statement, the federation called on the attorney general’s office to open an investigation, stressing that sporting disappointment must never be translated into real‑world aggression.
Campaz himself took to Instagram, pleading for respect and reminding fans that passion for the game should never justify hatred, a message that resonated across the country's football community.
The shadow of past tragedies
The episode has revived painful memories of 1994, when defender Andrés Escobar was murdered after scoring an own goal in a World Cup match, underscoring how fragile the line can be between sport and violence.
Authorities and sports officials say the threats reflect a growing intolerance that extends beyond the pitch, prompting calls for stronger protective measures for players and their loved ones.