Copa América: Colombian Football Federation President Arrested at Final Match, along with Dozens of Others
Sports | July 16, 2024, 4:13 a.m.
Colombian Football Federation president Ramón Jesurún and his son were arrested after a physical altercation with security officers at the Copa América final in Miami Gardens, Florida. The 71-year-old Jesurún faces three felony charges, while his son faces additional battery charges. The incident occurred as the Jesurúns attempted to access the field, resulting in a violent encounter with security personnel. The arrests were part of a larger issue at the game, with 27 individuals arrested and 55 ejected due to crowd control issues. The Miami-Dade Police Department has called for a review of safety protocols ahead of the World Cup in 2026, which will be hosted at the same stadium. The chaos led to delayed kickoff, breaches of security, and significant property damage. CONMEBOL expressed disappointment in the situation and called for better security measures in future events. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava condemned the events and demanded a full review to prevent similar incidents in the future.