Colombian midfielder Campaz receives death threats after World Cup exit
The Colombian Football Federation has condemned death threats against midfielder Haminton Campaz and his family after the team's elimination from the World Cup. Campaz did not return home with the squad due to safety concerns.
The Colombian Football Federation on Friday condemned death threats against national team midfielder Haminton Campaz and his family following Colombia's exit from the World Cup. Social media accounts were flooded with negative comments and explicit threats, prompting Campaz to refrain from returning home with his teammates.
The federation called on the Attorney General's Office to immediately identify those responsible, emphasizing that no athlete should be intimidated for representing their country in sports competitions. Campaz himself expressed deep disappointment over the loss and appealed for respect, stating that no passion justifies hatred or living in fear.
The threats evoke memories of the 1994 tragedy when Colombia defender Andrés Escobar was murdered after scoring an own goal in a match against the United States. The killer, a bodyguard for a drug lord, served 11 years in prison before being released for good behavior.
