Colombia Football Federation President, Son Arrested After Copa América Altercation
Jul 15, 2024
CALI, COLOMBIA - JULY 17: FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) looks on next to President of the Colombian Football Federation Ramón Jesurún (2R) during a Group A match between Ecuador and Colombia as part of Women's CONMEBOL Copa America Colombia 2022 at Estadio Pascual Guerrero on July 17, 2022 in Cali, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
Colombia Football Federation president Ramón Jesurún and his son, Ramón Jamil Jesurún, have been arrested and charged with three felony counts of battery on a specified official or employee after Sunday evening's Copa América final, per ESPN's Lizzy Becherano.
Colombia lost to Argentina 1-0.
The pair have been accused of fighting multiple security guards while attempting to gain access to the pitch at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium early on Monday morning, around 12:20 a.m. ET.
Video released in the aftermath showed part of the altercation:
Head of Colombian Football Federation Ramon Jesurun & his 43yo son were arrested after Colombia’s loss to Argentina. Jesurun, who is also VP of CONMEBOL, missed the award ceremony following alleged altercation with staff. A chaotic night to the very end.pic.twitter.com/PCxFudIQMq
Per Becherano's report, the Jesurúns became physical after a security guard placed his hand on Ramón Jamil to "guide him back." The duo "became irate" at the guard and began "shouting" at him.
Sunday's final began amid chaos, as unticketed fans forced their way into the stadium, causing damage to the stadium and the start of the match to be delayed by around 80 minutes.
Miami-Dade police said that there were 27 arrests and 55 ejections at the match, while a number of fans who purchased tickets weren't able to get into the stadium.
— Hard Rock Stadium (@HardRockStadium) July 15, 2024
Dozens of fans climbed into an overhead ventilation system and over fences at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida to catch the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.
The match was delayed for more than an hour after thousands of fans without tickets rushed security and… pic.twitter.com/KFZYrXmPNr
Distressing scenes at Hard Rock Stadium as gates burst and fans fall on top of one another, endangering families and children. Obviously not what you want from a signature football event just two years before the World Cup.pic.twitter.com/9NzIp14niB
"We are working with the event organizers to conduct a comprehensive review of all safety and security protocols, as we continue to prepare for the World Cup in 2026," Miami-Dade chief public safety officer James Reyes said in a statement.
The United States, Canada and Mexico will be hosting the World Cup in 2026. Miami's Hard Rock Stadium is one of the United States' 11 hosting venues.
Argentina Thrills Fans, Wins Copa America vs. Colombia Despite Lionel Messi Injury
Jul 15, 2024
TOPSHOT - Argentina's forward #22 Lautaro Martinez celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament final football match between Argentina and Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami, Florida on July 14, 2024. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP) (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina is once again a Copa América champion after beating Colombia 1-0 on Monday.
The win gives Argentina its 16th Copa América final victory, breaking a tie with Uruguay for the most all-time Copa América titles.
The first 90 minutes plus four minutes of stoppage time wasn't enough to settle an exciting Copa América final as the two teams went into extra time scoreless. The next 30 minutes saw two exhausted teams battle for the lead, and Argentina finally took it in the 111th minute after a goal from Lautaro Martínez, who notched his fifth of the tournament.
Martínez's goal proved to be decisive as Colombia couldn't respond in the final minutes.
It was a bittersweet victory for Argentina, as it had to play most of the match without Lionel Messi, who has been its hero for the last two decades. Messi suffered an injury in the 64th minute and had to watch the remainder of the game from the sideline.
But even without the star, Argentina had just enough to win what could be Messi's final Copa América game.
After the win, fans praised Martínez and Argentina for fighting through the exhaustion to win a second consecutive Copa América final.
Argentina's performance in the final wasn't its prettiest of the tournament by any means, but it delivered when it mattered most and it now has another title to show for it.
Argentina has had a strong stretch in international play in recent years, winning Copa América in 2021, the World Cup in 2022 and now claiming another Copa América title. It will now begin preparations to defend its World Cup in 2026.
James Rodriguez Listed as Absent for Colombia vs. England Due to Calf Injury
Jul 3, 2018
Colombia's midfielder James Rodriguez reacts as he leaves the football pitch due to an injury during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group H football match between Senegal and Colombia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 28, 2018. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)
Colombia's 2018 FIFA World Cup hopes suffered a blow on Tuesday after James Rodriguez was ruled out of their last-16 clash with England due to injury.
James Olley at the Evening Standard shared the team sheet which showed Rodriguez was not fit enough for the bench:
FIFA teamsheet has James Rodriguez listed as ‘absent’ tonight so he’s not even fit enough for the bench. pic.twitter.com/EUMGCkbfXU
The Bayern Munich star was forced out of Colombia's 1-0 win over Senegal with a calf injury and does not appear to have recovered in time to face the Three Lions.
Manager Jose Pekerman said before the game that Rodriguez had undergone an MRI scan which showed the injury was not serious, per Joe Shread at Sky Sports.
It is not yet clear how long Rodriguez is expected to be out for. Colombia must beat England to remain in the tournament and defeat on Tuesday will mean elimination.
Rodriguez is one of Colombia's most important players and won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup after finishing as the tournament's top scorer.
The attacking midfielder is a goal threat for his country, and his invention is a key part of Colombia's attack. Squawka Football highlighted his effectiveness:
James Rodríguez has been directly involved in 10 of #COL last 15 #WorldCup goals:
Rodriguez arrived at the World Cup on the back of a strong season at Bayern Munich, having joined the German giants on a two-year loan from Real Madrid in the summer of 2017.
Pekerman must now try to cope without his talisman against England. The onus will likely fall on Juan Fernando Quintero and striker Radamel Falcao to carry Colombia's hopes in Russia.
Andres Escobar's Brother Fears Murder of Colombia Player If Team Loses
Jul 3, 2018
Colombia players attend the official training on the eve of the match between Colombia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Monday, July 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The brother of Andres Escobar, a Colombian player who was murdered after he scored an own goal in the 1994 World Cup, believes another member of the team could be killed if they fail to find success again.
Sachi Escobar spoke on the 24th anniversary of his brother's death ahead of Tuesday's clash with England. Per the Mirror's Matt Roper, one of Colombia's players, Carlos Sanchez, already received death threats during this year's World Cup after he was sent off in the 2-1 defeat against Japan.
The team have rallied behind the upsetting treatment the midfielder has received:
Escobar's brother also called on the team to "evoke the spirit of Andres," who scored his only goal for the national side at Wembley Stadium against England.
Speaking about the threats, he said:
"My brother never received any threats, they just shot him dead in the most cowardly way. The fact that people are still allowed to say these things on social network sites, even threaten his with death, making players and their families fear for their lives, shows me that nothing good came out of Andres’ death, nothing was learned.
[...]
"But I truly hope that, if Colombia failed to meet these expectations, then the tragedy that happens to my brother doesn't repeat itself. God forbid that it happens again. I truly hope that no player's life is put at risk because a team didn't get good results or managed to advantage to the next phase in the World Cup in Russia."
Escobar was 27 years old when he scored an own goal in a 2-1 loss against the United States in 1994, a second consecutive loss for the South Americans, who finished in last place in Group A. He was shot and killed in Colombia 10 days later.
Fans of the team are hopeful this could be the year Colombia go all the way after they qualified for the perceived easier side of the bracket, where 2010 champions Spain have already dropped out.
Colombia Drops Epic Group Dance Celebration After Goal at 2018 World Cup
Jun 28, 2018
Colombia's defender Yerry Mina (rear R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group H football match between Senegal and Colombia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 28, 2018. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)
Colombia beat Senegal 1-0 on Thursday to win Group H and advance to the knockout round of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and several of Colombia's players celebrated in entertaining fashion after their goal was scored.
As seen in the following video, the Colombian players joined hands and acted as if an electric shock was going from one player to the next:
The decisive goal in the match came courtesy of Yerry Mina in the 74th minute.
Colombia's win also helped Japan advance despite a 1-0 loss to Poland on Thursday.
By virtue of Thursday's win, Colombia is in the midst of its best-ever stretch at the World Cup. Colombia advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and has now made it out of the group stage in consecutive World Cups.
Los Cafeteros will attempt to reach the quarterfinals on Tuesday when they face England.
Colombian Sweet Corn Sellers Complete Incredible Journey to the World Cup
Jun 25, 2018
BR Video
Colombia fans Violeta and Andres set up a tip jar hoping it would lead them to Russia to watch the World Cup.
On Sunday, their dream became a reality.
Carlos Sanchez Receives Death Threats After Red Card at 2018 World Cup
Jun 21, 2018
Referee Damir Skomina from Slovenia shows a red card to Colombia's Carlos Sanchez, on the ground, during the group H match between Colombia and Japan at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Mordavia Arena in Saransk, Russia, Tuesday, June 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Colombian authorities have opened an investigation after midfielder Carlos Sanchez received death threats following his team's loss against Japan at the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, as reported by the Guardian's Carl Worswick.
Sanchez was sent off just minutes into the contest for a deliberate handball in the penalty area while trying to block Shinji Kagawa's effort. Japan took the lead from the resulting penalty and eventually won the game, 2-1.
Colombia are now in real danger of not qualifying for the round of 16, with matches against Senegal and Poland still on the schedule.
Guardianwriter Marcus Christenson was appalled some fans would go this far:
In 1994, Colombian defender Andres Escobar was murdered days after he scored an own goal in a 2-1 group-stage loss to the United States that ended the team's World Cup.
Escobar was 27 when he accidentally diverted a John Harkes cross into his own net. He was shot and killed less than a week later.
James Rodriguez Won't Start Colombia vs. Japan World Cup Match with Calf Injury
Jun 19, 2018
Colombia's midfielder James Rodriguez takes part in a training session in Kazan on June 17, 2018, ahead of their Russia 2018 World Cup Group H football match against Japan. (Photo by LUIS ACOSTA / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images)
Colombia captain James Rodriguez was deemed not fit enough to start the team's FIFA World Cup opener with Japan on Tuesday because of a calf injury.
The tournament's Twitter account confirmed the two starting lineups for the match in Saransk, Russia:
As reported by ESPN, the Bayern Munich man has been suffering with a knock. He missed training on Friday, and while he returned to the field for practice on Monday, he has not been deemed fit enough to feature by manager Jose Pekerman.
According to ESPN FC, Rodriguez will be available from the bench:
James Rodriguez had an incredible 2014 World Cup -- winning the Golden Boot.
The news comes as a blow to Colombians, who will have fresh memories of what Rodriguez did on the World Cup stage four years ago.
In Brazil he netted six goals as Los Cafeteros made a run to the quarter-finals, when the hosts eventually knocked them out. Rodriguez's stunning goal against Uruguay in the second round, when he controlled the ball with his chest and volleyed home from distance, was one of the tournament's best moments.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JUNE 28: James Rodriguez of Colombia celebrates scoring his team's second goal and his second of the game during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil round of 16 match between Colombia and Uruguay at Maracana on June 28, 2014 in Rio de
Japan also felt Rodriguez's wrath in that World Cup, as he inspired Colombia to a 4-1 win in the group stages after entering the game as a substitute.
While Rodriguez has endured inconsistency since that tournament following a tough stint at Real Madrid, as we can see here, he has been rejuvenated for Bayern Munich in 2017-18:
James Rodriguez vs Shinji Kagawa
Which Bundesliga attacker will earn the better WhoScored rating today?
Colombia still have attacking talent in abundance, with Radamel Falcao set to make his debut at the competition. The forward missed the World Cup four years ago due to an anterior cruciate ligament problem.
Also in the attacking portion of the XI is Juventus star Juan Cuadrado, while Brighton & Hove Albion man Jose Izquierdo lines up on the opposite flank. Juan Quintero is expected to take over in Rodriguez's usual position behind the centre-forward.
Radamel Falcao Denies Colombia 'Pact' with Peru in World Cup Qualifier
Oct 12, 2017
Colombia's Radamel Falcao controls the ball during their 2018 World Cup football qualifier match in Barranquilla, Colombia, on October 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Raul Arboleda (Photo credit should read RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/Getty Images)
Radamel Falcao has denied accusations he brokered a pact between his Colombia side and Peru in Tuesday's final CONMEBOL qualifier for the 2018 FIFA World Cup that saw the match end in a 1-1 draw that benefited both sides.
The AS Monaco striker said he tried to make it clear to Peru's players late in the Lima clash that, with Chile losing to Brazil, a draw would be enough to send Colombia through automatically and secure the hosts a play-off spot.
But he said both sides competed for the win throughout the 90 minutes despite a lack of attacking in the final stages, per Martyn Ziegler of The Times:
"We knew what was happening in the other matches, we were playing with [the knowledge of] the other results and in that moment [I tried] to transmit that [to Peru]. But I think Peru has been a worthy rival, they fought for 90 minutes just like us. The match was very tight. We suffered a lot but in the end we did it."
Television pictures showed Falcao, 31, approach several of Peru's players late in the fixture and speak to them with his hand covering his mouth, per football writer Mootaz Chehade:
Per Ziegler, various media outlets dubbed the incident the "Lima Pact."
Given how things finished in the CONMEBOL standings, had Colombia scored a late winner, Peru would have been condemned to sixth place behind Chile and their World Cup dreams would have been finished, per ESPN FC:
A dramatic night in CONMEBOL qualifying!
Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia are in. Peru will face New Zealand in the playoff. pic.twitter.com/3JJnEu6Yp4
Meanwhile, had Colombia lost, they would have finished either in the fifth play-off place or had their qualifying hopes ended altogether, depending on the margin of defeat.
Peru's Renato Tapia also said he discussed the group situation with Falcao but his side were playing to win, per Fox Sports Asia:
"In the last five minutes, the Colombians approached us. They knew what the situation was in the other games. So we managed the game as we needed to… I spoke with Radamel, who told me we were both qualified (as things stood), but it's football and we play to win."
Back-to-back Copa America winners Chile were the side who missed out on the chance to qualify for Russia as a result of Colombia and Peru's draw.
They needed to beat Brazil in their final group clash to ensure passage to the World Cup, but they ended up losing 3-0 in Sao Paulo, the third defeat they suffered in their final four qualifiers.
