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BOGOTA, July 10 (Reuters) – Colombian soccer player Jaminton Campaz received death threats on social media after missing a crucial shot that led to his team’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup. The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) swiftly condemned the abuse and demanded legal action.
The incident occurred during Colombia’s Round of 16 match on July 9. Campaz’s missed opportunity sealed a 1-0 loss. Within hours, his Instagram and X accounts were flooded with violent messages. Some users explicitly called for his death. Others posted his home address.
The FCF issued a statement on July 10. “These threats are unacceptable,” the federation said. “They damage the sport and endanger our players.” The federation confirmed it is cooperating with local law enforcement to identify the perpetrators. It also urged FIFA to implement stricter player protection protocols.
This is not an isolated case. In the 2022 World Cup, England’s Marcus Rashford faced racial abuse after a penalty miss. In 2018, France’s Kylian Mbappe received death threats following a defeat. The pattern is clear: online hate spikes after high-stakes errors. A 2023 study by the University of Birmingham found that 72% of professional soccer players reported receiving abusive messages after a loss.
| Incident | Player | Year | Type of Abuse |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup elimination miss | Jaminton Campaz | 2026 | Death threats, doxxing |
| Euro 2020 penalty miss | Marcus Rashford | 2021 | Racial slurs |
| World Cup final defeat | Kylian Mbappe | 2018 | Death threats |
The Colombian FA’s demand for legal action sets a precedent. In Colombia, online death threats carry penalties of up to 8 years in prison. However, prosecuting international offenders remains difficult. The FCF is pushing for a global task force, funded by FIFA, to track and prosecute abusers across jurisdictions.
FIFA has not yet commented on the Campaz case. But the governing body faces mounting pressure. In 2025, FIFPRO, the global players’ union, launched a petition demanding mandatory reporting mechanisms on all major platforms. “Players are not punching bags,” said FIFPRO President David Aganzo. “FIFA must act.”
Social media companies also face scrutiny. X and Meta have policies against hate speech. Yet enforcement is inconsistent. Campaz’s abusive posts were up for 12 hours before removal. A 2024 report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that 92% of hate speech against soccer players is not removed within 24 hours.
The psychological toll is severe. Campaz has not publicly commented. His agent told ESPN the player is “devastated and fearing for his safety.” Sports psychologist Dr. Elena Martinez said such threats can trigger PTSD, anxiety, and depression. “For many players, it ends careers,” she said.
The case underscores a broader failure. Fans demand perfection. The internet enables anonymity. And institutions move slowly. The FCF’s swift condemnation is a step, but not a solution. FIFA must mandate player protection protocols across all 211 member associations. Social media platforms must be held financially liable for failing to remove threats. And fans must understand: a missed shot is not a crime deserving death.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What happened to Jaminton Campaz after missing a shot in the World Cup?
- A: Jaminton Campaz received death threats and doxxing on social media after missing a crucial shot that led to Colombia’s 1-0 loss and elimination from the FIFA World Cup.
- Q: How did the Colombian Football Federation respond to the threats against Campaz?
- A: The Colombian Football Federation condemned the abuse as unacceptable, demanded legal action, cooperated with law enforcement to identify perpetrators, and urged FIFA to implement stricter player protection protocols.
- Q: Is online hate targeting soccer players after missed shots a common problem?
- A: Yes, it is a disturbing trend. Examples include Marcus Rashford in the 2022 World Cup and Kylian Mbappe in 2018. A 2023 study found 72% of professional soccer players reported receiving abusive messages after a loss.
Extended Reading
For further details on the FCF’s statement and legal actions, see reports by ESPN and The Athletic. The Local10.com article provides additional context on the timeline of the threats.
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