​Colombia’s Jaminton Campaz has received death threats following his team’s elimination from the World Cup, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) confirmed, condemning the harassment in the strongest terms. The federation emphasized that no athlete or member of a player’s inner circle should endure intimidation for representing their country on the world stage.
Colombia’s World Cup campaign ended on Tuesday with a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 16 after a tense extra time. Campaz, who plies his club trade with Rosario Central in Argentina, played a pivotal role but ultimately missed a crucial scoring opportunity when his shot sailed wide during the extra period. The miss did not define his legacy or that of the team, the FCF stressed, and it urged fans to keep perspective and respect in the face of setbacks.
Following the game, Campaz took to Instagram to share a photo of himself with his face in his hands, accompanying a message that urged respect and emphasized resilience. He wrote: “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.” The post underscored the emotional highs and lows inherent in international competition and called on supporters to channel emotions constructively.
In response to the threats, the FCF has appealed to Colombia’s attorney general’s office to accelerate the investigations to identify those responsible. The federation reiterated its stance that football should be a beacon of unity, respect, and hope, not a platform for hatred, intimidation, or violence. It urged fans to ensure that the disappointment of a sporting setback does not spill over into dangerous or abusive behavior.
The threats against Campaz resonate with a troubling pattern in Colombian football history. The country has wrestled with fan violence and intimidation in the past, most notably in the 1994 World Cup when defender Andres Escobar scored an own goal in Colombia’s 2-1 loss to the United States. Tragically, Escobar was murdered in Medellín shortly after Colombia’s elimination from the tournament, a black chapter that has loomed over the sport in the country for decades. The FCF’s call to reject harassment and safeguard players’ well-being is part of a broader effort to ensure that sport remains a force for unity rather than a source of fear.
As Colombia turns its attention to future competitions, the federation’s message stands as a clear reminder: national pride and passion for football should not justify threats or violence. The FCF’s public repudiation of threats against Campaz highlights the ongoing commitment to protecting athletes and maintaining a respectful environment for players, coaches, and fans alike. The organization also encouraged supporters to celebrate the team’s efforts, learn from the experience, and continue to back Colombia on and off the field with dignity and sportsmanship.