Colombia’s Jaminton Campaz receives death threats after World Cup exit

A Colombian national team player became the target of threatening messages after his country's exit from the World Cup competition. The incident occurred following a penalty shootout loss to Switzerland in the round of 16 match, during which the player missed a critical scoring opportunity in extra time when his shot went wide.

The player responded to the harassment through social media, posting an image of himself and appealing for respect and understanding. In his message, he acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the moment while urging supporters to maintain perspective and avoid allowing sporting disappointment to fuel hostility or fear.

The Colombian Football Federation issued a formal statement condemning the threats and calling for investigation by the country's attorney general. The federation emphasized that no athlete or member of their family should face intimidation for representing their nation in sports, and stressed that football should serve as a unifying force rather than a venue for aggression.

The incident carries historical weight within Colombian football culture. The country experienced a tragic precedent in 1994 when a national team defender was murdered days after returning home from the World Cup, following an own-goal in a match against the host nation. The federation's response reflects awareness of this dark chapter and a commitment to preventing similar violence.