Colombian Football Federation President Arrested After Clash at Copa America Final 2024

Ramon Jesurun, the head of the Colombian Football Federation, was taken into custody in Miami on Sunday amid an altercation at the Copa America final, as per a police report released on Monday. According to a Miami-Dade County police report, Jesurun was taken into custody at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night on suspicion of “assault on officer/employee”.

Fans rushed the gates of the NFL Miami Dolphins’ stadium, pushing spectators to the ground and attempting to get through large air conditioning ducts. The game was delayed by eighty minutes.

In the Copa America final, Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 thanks to a goal from Lautaro Martinez in extra time.

According to the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, Jesurun, 71, was not permitted to reenter the field with his son and other family members following the competition for the awards ceremony. When the security guard turned to face Jesurun’s son, he refused to let them in.

Before police intervened, Jesurun, a vice president of the regional regulatory organization CONMEBOL, reportedly took part in the altercation, according to the publication.

A statement from Miami-Dade police stated that there were 55 ejections from the stadium during the game and 27 arrests. “I’m very proud of our officers’ response to a volatile situation and for their hard work in keeping our community safe as well as our law-enforcement partners who provided key support,” police director Stephanie Daniels said.

Also Read: Argentina Clinches Record 16th Copa America Title with Extra-Time Victory Over Colombia

“As part of the full analysis of last night’s game, we will review protocols set in place to ensure an orderly, safe and secure environment for all future events.”

The South American football governing body, CONMEBOL, issued a statement in which it urged security organizers follow certain protocols that were not implemented.

“Fans without tickets went to the vicinity of the stadium, which delayed the normal access of the people who did have them, which slowed down the entry and determined the closing of doors,” stated CONMEBOL in a statement.

“In this instance, CONMEBOL was bound by the decisions made by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities in compliance with the contractual obligations set forth for the security operation.

“CONMEBOL advised to these authorities the processes tested in occurrences of this magnitude, which were NOT taken into account, in addition to the provisions set in said contract.

“We regret that the acts of violence produced by malicious people have tarnished a final that was ready to be a great celebration of sport.”