Colombian footballer receives death threats after World Cup elimination

The Colombian Football Federation has strongly condemned death threats sent to national team striker Hamilton Campaz and his family after the World Cup. In the round of 16 match, Colombia faced Switzerland. With six minutes left in extra time, Campaz had a one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper but shot the ball over the crossbar. The match went to a penalty shootout, where Campaz converted his spot kick, but Colombia lost 3-4 and was eliminated from the tournament.

After the match, death threats against the player and his family began circulating on social media. The federation issued a statement categorically condemning the threats and calling on the Attorney General's Office to immediately launch an investigation to identify and punish those responsible. 'No athlete or their family should face intimidation or threats of violence simply for representing their country,' the federation emphasized.

This situation is particularly painful for Colombia due to its history. 32 years ago, after the 1994 World Cup, national team defender Andrés Escobar was killed. At that time, Colombia lost 1-2 to the United States in the group stage, and Escobar scored an own goal. After returning home, he received death threats and was shot dead on July 2, 1994.

The federation stressed that national team players always take the field with one goal: to honorably represent their country and achieve the best possible result. In the 2026 World Cup, Colombia finished above Portugal in the group stage and defeated Ghana in the first knockout round. However, they failed to reach the quarterfinals after losing to Switzerland on penalties. Campaz played in three matches during the tournament and scored one goal in the group stage against Uzbekistan.

The Colombian Football Federation urges fans to maintain respect: 'Football should be a source of unity, respect, and hope, not a platform for hatred, intimidation, or violence.'