History repeats itself: Colombian player forced into hiding after death threats

Colombia international Jaminton Campaz and members of his family have received death threats following the national team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Colombian Football Federation condemned the abuse directed at the player and called for an immediate response from the authorities.

Colombia were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Switzerland after a penalty shootout. The match ended goalless after 120 minutes before the Swiss prevailed 4-3 on penalties. Although Campaz converted his spot-kick, he became the target of criticism after missing a golden opportunity in the 115th minute of extra time that could have sent Colombia into the quarter-finals.

The Colombian Football Federation later released an official statement condemning the threats. "The FCF wishes to state that it categorically condemns the threats made against the life and safety of Jaminton Campaz and his family. No athlete, nor any member of their family, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting event. We call on the Attorney General's Office to expedite the necessary investigations in order to identify, prosecute and punish those responsible for these acts."

Campaz also addressed the situation on social media, stressing that disappointment over a sporting result must never escalate into violence. "We may think differently, feel frustration or sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear."

Murder on the pitch - own goal that cost a life

Sadly, this is not the first time Colombian internationals have been subjected to threats after major tournaments. Following the 2018 World Cup, Carlos Sanchez, Mateus Uribe and Carlos Bacca all received similar abuse. One of the darkest chapters in Colombian football history remains the murder of Andres Escobar in 1994, just days after his own goal against the United States at the World Cup in the USA.