Jáminton Campaz reportedly skipped return flight from Colombia after World Cup exit amid alleged death threats Football News
Jamington Campas reportedly yet to return to Colombia, with national team following them fifa world cup Eliminated, new reports claim the striker is staying on as a precaution after receiving death threats following the defeat to Switzerland. The incident came just a day after the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) publicly condemned the abuse against Campas and his family, while urging authorities to investigate those responsible.Colombia ended its World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion on Tuesday when they lost on penalties to Switzerland in the last 16. Campas, who plays for Argentinian side Rosario Central, experienced one of the cruelest moments of the game when he missed a golden chance to win the game late in extra time.
Colombia’s Jaminton Campaz (21) misses a shot as Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel (1) defends during their World Cup round of 16 soccer match on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
With less than six minutes remaining, the 26-year-old’s shot went over the crossbar, with the score still locked at 0-0. Although he recovered and converted a penalty kick in the ensuing penalty shootout, Colombia ultimately lost 4-3 and exited the World Cup.therefore Argentina Outlet InfobaeCampas did not board Colombia’s return flight from Vancouver to Bogota on Thursday because of concerns for his safety after a wave of abuse and death threats online.Several senior players, including James Rodriguez, Davinson Sanchez and Juan Fernando Quintero, return home along with the rest of the team. However, Campas was reportedly absent from the flight. It is unclear whether he remains in the United States or heads separately to Argentina, where he signed with Rosario Central.
Colombia’s Jaminton Campaz reacts after losing on penalties to Switzerland during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Switzerland and Colombia on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
The decision reportedly comes after days of constant harassment on social media following Colombia’s elimination. Campas later restricted comments on his account before posting an emotional message asking supporters not to let disappointment turn into hatred.“Football is also made of difficult moments,” he wrote alongside a photo of himself covering his face in frustration.“My Colombia, please let us never lose respect. We may think differently or feel frustrated and sad, but no passion can justify hatred or live in fear.”Looking back on the tournament, Campas added that it was a lifelong dream to represent his country.“Ever since I was a child, I have dreamed of defending Colombia’s colors, hearing the national anthem, representing millions and scoring goals at the World Cup. Today, I can only thank God for allowing me to realize this dream. These are memories that I will remember forever.“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported us during this World Cup – those who believed in us, cheered us on until the very end and never lost faith. Thanks also to my family who have been my strength every step of the way and have been by my side in my happiest and most difficult moments. “He also admitted that people across the country were disappointed after being eliminated in the last 16.“For the whole country, I can only say that I share the pain of this elimination. We also dream of going further and I know the sadness that we as Colombians feel today.“I deeply regret not being able to bring you the joy we all hoped for, but I want you to know that there has never been a lack of dedication, commitment or love for this jersey. I gave everything on the pitch and I would do it a thousand times for my country. “The Colombian Football Federation responded on Friday with a strong statement condemning the threats against Campas and those close to him, while calling on the country’s attorney general’s office to quickly identify and prosecute those responsible.“No athlete, nor any member of their inner circle, should be intimidated for representing their country on the sporting stage,” the federation said.“Football must be a space of unity, respect and hope, not a place of hate, intimidation or violence.”The incident will inevitably draw comparisons to one of the darkest moments in Colombian football history. During the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Colombia lost to the host nation and defender Andres Escobar scored an own goal, causing the team to be eliminated. Days after returning home, Escobar was murdered outside a nightclub in Medellín, a tragedy that remains one of football’s most painful chapters.While there is no suggestion that Campas faces a similar situation, reports that he has chosen not to return to Colombia immediately underscore the seriousness of the threat following the country’s World Cup exit. The federation’s intervention and demands for a criminal investigation will now focus on identifying those responsible for the abuse, rather than letting disappointment in sport escalate into real-world intimidation.
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