Colombia forward Jáminton Campaz is reportedly in hiding after receiving multiple death threats following a missed goal-scoring opportunity in extra time during his country's round-of-16 World Cup match against Switzerland on Tuesday. The 26-year-old, who plays for Argentine side CA Rosario Central, refused to board a flight with his teammates after the 2-1 defeat and has issued a plea for tolerance on Instagram.
Campaz Issues Emotional Apology
In a statement on his Instagram account, Campaz wrote: “My Colombia, please let us never lose sight of respect. We may hold different views or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear.” He added: “Since I was a child, I dreamed of defending Colombia’s colours, hearing the anthem, representing millions of people, and scoring a goal in a World Cup. Today, I can only thank God for allowing me to fulfil that dream. These are memories I will carry with me forever.”
Campaz also apologised directly to his compatriots: “To the entire country, I can only say that I share the pain of this elimination. We, too, dreamed of advancing further, and I know the sadness we feel today as Colombians. I deeply regret not being able to bring 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 jersey. I gave everything I had on the pitch, and I would do it a thousand times over for my country.”
Echoes of Andrés Escobar’s Murder
The threats against Campaz have drawn comparisons to the murder of Andrés Escobar following the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Escobar, a 27-year-old centre-back, scored an own goal in a 2-1 defeat to the United States, which contributed to Colombia’s elimination. Less than a week later, he was shot six times in a Medellín nightclub car park, with one assailant allegedly shouting “goal!” with each bullet. Humberto Castro Muñoz, a driver and bodyguard for cartel boss Santiago Gallón, was found guilty of the killing and served 11 years in prison. Gallón and one of his brothers received 15-month sentences as accessories. Gallón was himself shot dead in a Mexican restaurant earlier this year.
Both Escobar’s murder and the threats against Campaz are believed to be linked to losses suffered by betting syndicates in Colombia. The documentary The Two Escobars by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist explores the intersection of sport, politics, and organised crime in Colombian society.
Colombian Football Federation Condemns Threats
The Colombian football federation issued a statement condemning the online harassment of Campaz: “No athlete, nor any member of their inner circle, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting arena. Football must be a space for unity, respect, and hope — never a setting for hatred, intimidation or violence.”
It remains unclear whether Campaz has travelled to Argentina or remained in the United States. The federation has offered him support, and fans have rallied behind him on social media, urging an end to the threats.
