Shock over failure at the World Cup leads to death threats; return home may be impossible: "Please, do not touch my family..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Anger has gone too far. A midfielder of the Colombian national team, which was eliminated after losing to Switzerland in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, is deeply shaken after receiving death threats from some extreme fans.

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) issued a public statement through its official website on the 10th (Korean time), strongly condemning "threatening acts against the life and safety of Hamiton Campos (from Rossiario Central) and his family following the match between Colombia and Switzerland."

The federation further emphasized that "no athlete or their family should ever become a target of threats simply for representing their country on the sports stage."

According to multiple media outlets, including the U.S. publication USA Today, Colombia drew 0-0 with Switzerland in extra time during the Round of 16 match and ultimately lost via penalty shootout, ending their World Cup journey.

Campos, an attacking midfielder, intercepted a pass from Switzerland's Veteran Granit Xhaka in the latter half of extra time, creating a decisive opportunity. However, his left-footed shot missed the goalpost, failing to seal victory in extra time. Although he successfully converted his penalty kick during the shootout, some extreme fans directed their anger at him, escalating into death threats.

In response, the executive committee of the Colombian Football Federation stated that it "extends deep solidarity and support to Campos, his family, and the entire national team squad." It further added that it has "strongly requested the Prosecution Service to conduct necessary investigations as soon as possible to swiftly identify, prosecute, and punish those responsible for this incident."

Additionally, the federation stated that "football should be a space of unity, respect, and hope, never a stage for hatred, threats, or violence," and urged citizens to exercise restraint so that differences in sports competition do not turn into attacks on those who dedicate themselves to representing their nation.

Campos, who received death threats, also spoke out through a personal statement. In his statement, he said, "I am sharing the pain with my disappointed Colombian teammates due to our elimination," while appealing, "My Colombia, please do not lose your sense of respect. We may think differently and feel frustration or sadness, but no passion can justify living in hatred and fear."

This incident has heightened tensions by evoking memories of the 'Andrés Escobar murder case,' considered the darkest tragedy in Colombian sports history. During the 1994 U.S. World Cup, Colombia was marred by violence from drug cartels and guerrilla forces and was eliminated early after losing to the United States in the group stage. At that time, defender Escobar, who scored an own goal, was tragically shot and killed a few days after returning home in a parking lot in Medellín.

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*This content was translated by AI.