Colombian FA Demands Action Over Death Threats to Jaminton Campaz

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has issued a strong condemnation of death threats directed at forward Jaminton Campaz and his family, following a critical missed scoring opportunity in Colombia’s World Cup elimination match against Switzerland. The FCF has formally requested the Colombian Attorney General’s Office to initiate an investigation to “prosecute and punish” those responsible for the threats.

Campaz missed a significant chance in the final six minutes of extra time, with the score tied at 0-0, when his shot went over the crossbar. Although Colombia ultimately lost the last-16 match 4-3 on penalties, with Campaz converting his spot-kick, the missed opportunity in regulation time has led to severe backlash.

FCF Statement of Solidarity

In a statement released on Friday, the FCF declared, “We categorically condemn the threats against the life and safety of Jaminton Campaz and his family.” The federation emphasized that “no sportsman, nor any member of their camp, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting context.”

The FCF expressed its “full solidarity with and support for Jaminton Campaz, his family, all the players in the Colombia national team and the delegation as a whole.” They reiterated their call for a swift investigation to identify and punish those responsible.

A Haunting Echo of the Past

The threats against Campaz tragically evoke the memory of Andrés Escobar, a former Colombia national team defender who was shot and killed upon his return to Colombia after the 1994 World Cup. Colombia’s campaign in that tournament ended after finishing at the bottom of its group, and multiple players faced death threats. Escobar, aged 27, was killed on July 2, 1994, shortly after scoring an own goal in a match against the United States.

Historical Context of World Cup Performance

Colombia’s journey in the recent World Cup saw them top Group K, two points ahead of Portugal, before defeating Ghana in the Round of 32. Their elimination by Switzerland in the Round of 16 on penalties marked their first defeat of the tournament, as they had not lost in normal time. The loss prevented a quarter-final matchup against Argentina.

Campaz featured in three of Colombia’s five World Cup matches, scoring one goal against Uzbekistan.

A Call for Respect and Unity

The FCF stressed that “football must be a space for unity, respect and hope, never a stage for hatred, intimidation or violence.” The federation urged all Colombians to ensure that competitive differences do not escalate into threats or attacks against national team representatives. “Protecting our athletes also means protecting the values of sport and the pride that unites millions of Colombians around the Colombia national team,” the statement concluded.

Key facts

This development underscores the intense pressure faced by athletes representing their country on the global stage and highlights the FCF’s commitment to protecting its players from such unacceptable forms of abuse.

Source: The Athletic Football – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7437239/2026/07/10/jaminton-campaz-colombia-death-threats/