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The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) asked the Prosecutor's Office this Friday to investigate the threats against footballer Jáminton Campaz, who became a target of criticism and threats after missing a goal in the final minutes of extra time in the match against Switzerland, in which the 'cafeteros' lost the chance to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
The FCF published a statement in which it "categorically rejected the threats against the life and integrity" of the 26-year-old footballer, following the match between the national teams of Colombia and Switzerland held in Vancouver (Canada) last Tuesday.
"The Executive Committee of the Colombian Football Federation expresses its full solidarity and support to Jaminton Campaz, his family, all the players of the Colombian National Team, and the delegation in general. Likewise, it requests the Attorney General's Office to carry out, as quickly as possible, the necessary investigations to identify, prosecute, and punish those responsible for these acts," detailed the FCF.
The Federation reiterated that the players who make up the national teams take on the challenge "with discipline, commitment, professionalism, and a deep love for the country," and therefore none "should be subject to intimidation for representing the country in a sports arena."
On Tuesday, Colombia played for a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals against Switzerland, a match that ended 0-0 in regulation time. In extra time, Campaz sent wide a ball that could have been the winning goal in the 114th minute.
Then, in the penalty shootout, Colombia lost 4-3, extinguishing the hope of the Colombian fans who were at BC Place stadium in Vancouver and the millions of Colombian fans who followed the match back in the country.
Following the elimination, criticism of the team led by the Argentine Néstor Lorenzo has abounded on social media, including threats against Campaz, who scored the third goal in Colombia's 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in his World Cup debut.
"I deeply regret not having been able to give you the joy we all hoped for, but I want you to know that there was never a lack of dedication, commitment, or love for this shirt. I gave everything I had on the pitch and I would do it again a thousand times for my country," said Campaz on his Instagram account.
Following the criticism and threats received, Campaz, a player for the Argentine club Rosario Central, did not return to Colombia after the World Cup to preserve his integrity and that of his family.
Campaz's situation is reminiscent of the tragedy of Andrés Escobar, the central defender who was murdered in Medellín on July 2, 1994, at age 27, ten days after scoring an own goal for Colombia against the United States national team in that year's World Cup.
"Football must be a space of unity, respect, and hope, never a stage for hatred, intimidation, or violence. Therefore, the Federation calls on all Colombians so that the differences inherent in sports competition never translate into threats or aggression against those who dedicate their lives to representing the country," added the FCF in the statement.
[Publicidad]