Colombia’s federation condemns death threats against midfielder Campaza after World Cup withdrawal
Colombia’s football federation has condemned death threats against midfielder Jminton Campaza and his family after the national team was kicked out of the 2026 World Cup, calling on authorities to identify those responsible and stressing that football should never become a platform for violence.
Colombia’s campaign ended on Tuesday after a Defeat 4:3 in a penalty shootout with Switzerland Iin the round of 16 after a thrilling goalless draw in Vancouver. Campaz, who plays for Argentinian club Rosario Central, came under heavy criticism after missing a golden opportunity in extra time when he shot wide when the game was still tied.
After the defeat, Campazo’s social media accounts were flooded with abusive messages and death threats. The midfielder limited comments on his posts and did not return to Colombia with the rest of the squad as a precaution.
“No athlete or any member of their inner circle should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in the sporting arena,” the federation said in a statement on Friday.
The federation also confirmed it had asked Colombia’s attorney general’s office to speed up investigations to identify those behind the threats.
“Football must be a space for unity, respect and hope, never a place of hatred, intimidation or violence,” the statement read, urging supporters not to allow sporting disappointment to turn into aggression in the real world.
Campaz also addressed the abuse in an Instagram post where he shared a photo of himself covering his face in frustration after the defeat.
“Football also creates difficult moments,” he wrote. “My Columbia, 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.”
Colombia exited the World Cup undefeated in normal time but with another painful penalty shootout defeat. Wins over Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and a draw with Portugal saw them top Group K before beating Ghana in the round of 32 and setting up a last 16 meeting with Switzerland.
The South Americans held Switzerland to a 0-0 draw for 120 minutes in Vancouver, but their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals ended when they lost 4-3 in a shootout.
It was another painful exit, with Colombia also knocked out on penalties at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 and 2021 Copa America tournaments.
The threats against Campazo also revived memories of one of the darkest episodes in Colombian football history. Following the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, defender Andrs Escobar was murdered in Medellín days after scoring an own goal in a 2-1 defeat to the hosts, a tragedy that continues to cast a shadow over the country’s soccer history.
Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
11 Jul 2026 07:41 IST