​BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The Colombian football federation condemned death threats aimed at midfielder Jaminton Campaz and his family on Friday, following the national team’s exit from the World Cup. Colombia’s run in the tournament ended Tuesday with a penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 16. During extra time, Campaz, who plays for Rosario Central in Argentina, squandered a pivotal scoring chance when his shot sailed wide.
“No athlete, nor any member of their inner circle, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting arena,” the federation stated. On Instagram, Campaz posted a photo of himself with his face buried in his hands, accompanied by a plea for respect. “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.”
In response to the harassment, the federation urged Colombia’s attorney general’s office to accelerate an investigation to identify those responsible for the threats. “Football must be a space for unity, respect, and hope — never a setting for hatred, intimidation, or violence,” the federation said, calling on fans to ensure that sporting disappointments do not spill into real-world aggression.
The threats touch a dark episode in Colombian soccer history. During the 1994 World Cup in the United States, defender Andrés Escobar scored an own goal in a 2-1 loss to the hosts. A few days after the team’s elimination and their return home, Escobar was murdered in Medellín. The federation’s statement and Campaz’s appeal for restraint come amid a broader, ongoing conversation about the role of football in national identity, fan passion, and the boundaries between fervent support and violent behavior.
As Colombia reflects on its World Cup campaign and looks ahead to future qualifiers and tournaments, the federation’s appeal highlights the fragile line between national pride and public hostility. The organization emphasized that the sport’s true purpose lies in unity, respect, and hopeful ambition, not in threats or intimidation directed at players or their families. The call to action extended to supporters across the country: celebrate victories with dignity, handle setbacks with composure, and keep the sport’s spirit intact.
While Campaz’s missed chance in extra time will be part of the tournament’s memory, his broader message—shared publicly by the federation as well—centers on respect, resilience, and the idea that the meaning of football transcends individual moments of frustration. The federation’s stance reinforces the principle that national teams should be symbols of collective effort and inspiration, not targets for fear or harm.
Looking ahead, Colombia’s football community faces the task of reconciling intense emotions with constructive sportsmanship. The federation’s statement and Campaz’s plea for calm signal a commitment to safeguarding players and their families from threats, while continuing to honor the country’s passion for the game. As fans process the World Cup outcome, the overarching message remains clear: football should unite, uplift, and offer hope, rather than invite hostility or violence.