Colombia Soccer President Ramón Jesurún Arrested After Copa América Final Incident
Miami, Florida – Ramón Jesurún, the president of Colombia’s soccer federation, was arrested following an alleged altercation with security at the Copa América final. The incident occurred at Hard Rock Stadium, where Argentina triumphed over Colombia with a 1-0 victory on Sunday.

Arrest Details:
Jesurún, along with his son, Ramón Jamil Jesurún, were among 27 individuals detained due to crowd control issues during the event. Both were charged with three felony counts of battery on a specified official or employee. The situation escalated when the Jesurúns reportedly became agitated and began shouting at a security guard, leading to a physical confrontation after the guard attempted to guide Ramón Jamil back by placing his hand on his chest.

Court Appearance:
Jesurún’s bail was set at $2,000, while his son’s was set at $1,000. Both men were scheduled to appear in Miami-Dade bond court on Monday afternoon.

CONMEBOL’s Response:
CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, issued a statement distancing itself from the incident, criticizing Hard Rock Stadium’s preparedness for the event.

Incident Summary:
According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, the altercation happened around 12:20 a.m. on Monday, following the match. Jesurún, 71, who also serves as vice president of CONMEBOL and is a member of the FIFA council, was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center early Monday morning. The incident started when the Jesurúns were irate and shouting at a guard, leading to a physical confrontation when the guard placed his hand on Ramón Jamil’s chest. Jesurún allegedly pushed the guard, and his son is accused of grabbing the guard’s neck and punching him.

Stadium Chaos:
The match was marred by chaos as fans without tickets forced their way into the stadium, delaying the start by over an hour. This pandemonium resulted in injuries and the displacement of families, with some fans vandalizing stadium property. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Chief Public Safety Officer James Reyes condemned the situation, emphasizing the need for improved security measures.

Public Reaction:
The chaotic scene raised concerns about Miami’s readiness for the 2026 World Cup. A fan expressed frustration, stating, “They can’t organize a World Cup! It’s impossible.” Videos from the event showed fans destroying an escalator and attempting to enter the stadium through air ducts.

Official Statements:
Hard Rock Stadium acknowledged the issues, promising to address ticket holders’ concerns and prioritize the health and safety of guests and staff. Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, described the situation as “very weird,” noting that players were unsure of their family members’ whereabouts before the match began.

This incident has highlighted significant security and organizational challenges, calling for immediate reviews and protocol adjustments to prevent future occurrences.