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Jaminton Campaz reportedly did not board the official flight of the Colombian delegation heading to Bogota due to death threats directed at him and his 5-year-old daughter, following Colombia’s exit from the World Cup. The midfielder had missed a golden opportunity in the extra time that could have changed the course of the match and avoided a penalty shootout.
According to local media outlets, the 26-year-old will not return to Colombia with his teammates for safety reasons. He opted to stay hiding in Argentina where he plays in Rosario Central.
Campaz shared an emotional letter on Instagram expressing frustration and pleading for respect following the waves of online threats targeting him and his family.
“My Colombia, let us never lose the sight of respect, we may think differently or feel disappointed, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear,” the player wrote
The post received a lot of support from international figures, with Argentinian winger Di Maria showing compassion and solidarity with the Colombian midfielder.
The Colombian Football Federation has issued an official statement condemning the abuse to which Campaz and his family have been exposed. In addition, the federation urged the attorney general’s office to open an investigation in order to prosecute those responsible for these acts.
“Football must be a place for unity and respect not a place for intimidation and violence,” FCF stated, urging for dignified treatment. “All the players wearing the national team jersey assume the honor with commitment and profound love for the country,” it concluded.
These threats evoke one of the most tragic and painful moments in football history: the murder of Colombian defender Andres Escobar in 1994 days after he scored an own goal in a 2-1 loss against the US.
Authorities are keen to ensure that this dark chapter in Colombian football history is never repeated.
