Colombia condemn death threats against Campaz after World Cup shootout exit to Switzerland

The Colombian football federation has condemned death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz and his family following the national team’s round-of-16 elimination from the World Cup, after a penalty shootout loss to Switzerland in which Campaz missed a critical extra-time opportunity.

Campaz, who plays for Argentine club Rosario Central, saw his shot go wide during extra time before Colombia were ultimately eliminated on penalties. In the aftermath, his social media accounts were flooded with abusive comments and threats. He chose to limit comments on his profiles and, as a precaution, did not board the return flight home with his teammates.

On Instagram, Campaz shared a photo of himself covering his face in frustration alongside a direct appeal to supporters. “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.”

The federation issued a firm statement in support of the player. “No athlete, nor any member of their inner circle, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting arena,” it read. The federation also called on Colombia’s attorney general’s office to expedite 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 added, urging fans to ensure that sporting disappointments never translate into real-world aggression.

The threats carry a deeply painful resonance in Colombian football history. At the 1994 World Cup in the United States, defender Andrés Escobar scored an own-goal in a 2-1 defeat to the host nation. Days after Colombia were eliminated and the squad returned home, Escobar was murdered in Medellín — a tragedy that cast a long shadow over the country’s relationship with the sport.