Jaminton Campaz, a member of the Colombian national football team who missed a decisive scoring opportunity at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, has been unable to return home due to death threats.
The Colombian Football Federation issued a statement on July 11 (local time) strongly condemning the threats against the lives and safety of Campaz and his family.
The federation emphasized that players and their families should not be subjected to threats simply for representing their country on the sports stage, and has requested a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities.
Colombia was eliminated from the tournament after a penalty shootout loss to Switzerland in the Round of 16 of the North and Central America World Cup held on July 8.
Campaz, a midfielder who was substituted into the match in the second half, had a one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper in the 5th minute of the second half of extra time, but his shot missed the goal, leaving fans disappointed.
After Colombia lost the penalty shootout, Campaz's social media accounts were flooded with criticism and death threats directed at him and his family.
Concerned for his personal safety, Campaz did not board the flight home with his teammates.
Through his social media, Campaz apologized for the match result and pleaded for an end to the excessive criticism.
He added that football is a sport where people share difficult moments, and that passion should not justify hatred or force anyone to live in fear.
This incident has drawn somber comparisons to the 1994 World Cup in the United States, when Andres Escobar was shot and killed after returning home following an own goal.
(Photo: Getty Images)