Bogota: The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) on Saturday urged authorities to investigate death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz following the national team's elimination from the FIFA World Cup.
The FCF said it had requested the Attorney General's Office to urgently identify, prosecute and punish those responsible after Campaz was targeted with threats on social media for missing a crucial chance in extra time during Colombia's round-of-16 defeat to Switzerland on Tuesday.
Colombia's World Cup campaign ended after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Switzerland following a tense goalless draw in Vancouver.
"We express our full solidarity and support for Jaminton Campaz, his family, all the players of the Colombian national team and the delegation as a whole," the federation said in an official statement.
It also urged the Attorney General's Office to carry out an immediate investigation into the threats and bring those responsible to justice.
The FCF said it "categorically condemns the threats against the life and safety" of Campaz and reiterated that every player who represents Colombia does so with deep commitment and love for the country.
Campaz missed a golden opportunity in extra time when, with only the goalkeeper to beat, he fired his shot over the crossbar. A goal would have sent Colombia into the quarterfinals.
The 26-year-old, who plays for Argentine club Rosario Central, did not return to Colombia after the defeat.
In a post on social media, Campaz shared a photograph of himself covering his face in anguish and apologised to supporters.
"I deeply regret not being able to give you the joy we all hoped for, but I want you to know that I never lacked commitment, dedication or love for this shirt. I gave everything I had on the field, and I would do it again a thousand times for my country," he wrote.
The incident has drawn comparisons with Colombia's 1994 FIFA World Cup campaign, when defender Andres Escobar was assassinated in Medellin days after scoring an own goal against the United States.
"Football must be a space for unity, respect and hope, never a stage for hatred, intimidation or violence," the FCF added.
With IANS inputs