Colombian FA demands legal action after Jaminton Campaz receives death threats for World Cup miss

The death threats against Campaz come 32 years after Andrés Escobar was shot on his return to Colombia following the 1994 World Cup. (Carl Recine / AFP via Getty Images)

By Jessica Hopkins

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has condemned death threats directed at Jaminton Campaz and his family after the forward missed a late goal opportunity in Colombia's World Cup elimination by Switzerland on Tuesday.

The FCF's executive committee called on the Colombian Attorney General's Office to open an investigation to "prosecute and punish" those responsible "as swiftly as possible."

Campaz went through on goal with the score at 0-0 in the final six minutes of extra time but could not keep his shot on target, hitting his effort over the crossbar. The last-16 match then went to penalties. Despite Campaz recovering to convert his spot-kick, Colombia lost 4-3, bringing its World Cup run to a close.

The FCF released a statement on Friday saying it "categorically condemns the threats against the life and safety of Jaminton Campaz and his family."

The death threats against Campaz come 32 years after the tragic death of former Colombia national team defender Andrés Escobar. Colombia was eliminated after finishing bottom of its group in the 1994 World Cup, which was also hosted in the United States. Multiple players received death threats. After Escobar, 27, scored an own goal in a defeat by the U.S. on June 22, he was shot on his arrival back in Colombia on July 2.

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"No sportsman, nor any member of their camp, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting context," the FCF statement read.

"The executive committee of the Colombian Football Federation expresses its full solidarity with and support for Jaminton Campaz, his family, all the players in the Colombia national team and the delegation as a whole. It also calls on the Attorney General's Office to carry out, as swiftly as possible, the necessary investigations to identify, prosecute and punish those responsible for these acts.

"The FCF reiterates that the players who make up our national teams accept the honour of wearing the Colombian shirt with discipline, commitment, professionalism and a deep love for their country.

"Every time they take to the pitch, they do so with the conviction that they will give their utmost and with the sole aim of representing the nation with dignity and achieving the best possible result."

What a HUGE opportunity! 😱 Jaminton Campaz blazes over… pic.twitter.com/vIVrklL5zE — ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 7, 2026

Colombia topped Group K, two points ahead of Portugal, before beating Ghana in the last 32 with a John Arias goal in the first 15 minutes. They did not lose in normal time throughout the tournament. The loss on penalties to Switzerland, preventing a quarter-final match with Argentina, was their first defeat.

"Football must be a space for unity, respect and hope, never a stage for hatred, intimidation or violence," the FCF statement continued. "For this reason, the federation calls on all Colombians to ensure that the differences inherent in sporting competition never result in threats or attacks against those who dedicate their lives to representing the country.

"Protecting our athletes also means protecting the values of sport and the pride that unites millions of Colombians around the Colombia national team."

Campaz appeared in three of Colombia's five World Cup matches, scoring once against Uzbekistan.