CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football, has released a statement condemning the chaotic scenes outside of the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
Argentina defended their Copa America title by beating Colombia 1-0 in Sunday's final. Yet the game was overshadowed by events outside of the stadium in Miami, as ticketless fans tried to forced their way inside. Others were filmed climbing in through vents.
Several arrests were made, as organizers closed the gates due to the chaos. Several fans were pictured being pushed up against the gates in the soaring Miami heat, as the players' families complained about getting access into the Hard Rock Stadium.
Many fans have blamed organizers for failing to take hold of the situation, but CONMEBOL has come out fighting by blaming "malicious individuals" for "acts of violence". South American football's governing body claims these fans "tarnished a final".
READ MORE: Colombian Football Federation president arrested after Copa America final chaos
READ MORE: Argentina star left dressing room to help mom during 'inhumane' Copa America chaos
CONMEBOL's statement, released on Monday, reads: "We congratulate the finalist of CONMEBOL COPA AMERICA 2024, Argentina and Colombia , for the great final played yesterday.
"Yesterday, the most challenging tournament in history organized by CONMEBOL together with Concacaf concluded, reaching record figures in venues, attendance, audience, and staff dedicated to its organization, with more than 42,000 collaborators.
"As it is already known, during the final held in Miami, fans without tickets went to the stadium's vicinity, which delayed the normal access of people who did have tickets, slowing down the entry and leading to the closure of doors.
"In this situation, CONMEBOL was subject to the decisions made by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities, according to the contractual responsibilities established for security operations.
"In addition to the preparations determined in this contract, CONMEBOL recommended to these authorities the procedures proven in events of this magnitude, which were NOT taken into account. We regret that the acts of violence caused by malicious individuals have tarnished a final that was ready to be a great sports celebration."
It will take some time until the facts are established. This year's Copa America was solely hosted by the United States, with games taking place in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, California, Arizona, Nevada, Missouri, Kansas and Florida. The final was held at the Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the Miami Dolphins.
Many fans are concerned about how the upcoming World Cup will play out, with the United States co-hosting that event with Canada and Mexico. The 2026 World Cup final will be held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside of New York City.
Most Popular
Comments / 0