The Colombian Football Federation on Friday repudiated the intimidation directed at midfielder Jaminton Campaz and his family, after the elimination of the national team in the World Cup.
Colombia fell to Switzerland on Tuesday in a penalty shootout, during the round of 16. Campaz, who plays for Rosario Central in Argentina, missed a clear scoring opportunity in overtime when his shot went wide.
After the match, the footballer’s social networks were filled with criticism and threats. Campaz limited comments on his account and, as a safety measure, did not travel back with his teammates.
“No athlete, nor any member of their entourage, should be subjected to intimidation for representing the country in a sporting arena,” the Federation emphasized in a statement.
The player’s response
On Instagram, Campaz published a photo squatting with a gesture of frustration, accompanied by a call for respect.
“Football is also made of difficult moments. Today all that remains is to learn, get up and continue working to come back stronger,” he wrote. “My Colombia, please never leave aside respect. We can think differently, feel frustration or sadness, but no passion justifies hatred and living in fear.”
The Federation asked the Attorney General’s Office to accelerate an investigation to identify those responsible.
“Football should be a space for unity, respect and hope, never a stage for hatred, intimidation or violence,” the organization stressed.
The threats evoke a tragic episode in Colombian soccer. In the 1994 World Cup, defender Andrés Escobar scored an own goal against the United States. Days after the team’s return, Escobar was deprived of his life in Medellín.
