Colombia Football Federation president Ramón Jesurún and his son Ramón Jamil Jesurún were arrested by Miami-Dade police at Hard Rock Stadium following the 2024 Copa América final. The father, 71, and son, 43, are facing three felony counts of battery on a specified official or employee. The incident occurred as they tried to gain access to the field and got into a physical altercation with security guards at the stadium's media tunnel.
The chaos unfolded after Colombia lost the final 1-0 to Argentina, with crowd disturbances leading to delays in the kickoff. Miami-Dade police reported 27 arrests and 55 ejections due to unauthorized individuals entering the stadium. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to 120 incidents, mostly medical-related, during the event.
The police report detailed that the Jesurúns became aggressive when asked to step back by a security officer, leading to a confrontation. Both men were booked into jail and had bail set at $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Ramón Jesurún, in addition to his role in the Colombia Football Federation, serves on the FIFA Council.
The incident raised concerns about safety and security protocols at the stadium, with significant damage observed post-event. CONMEBOL issued a statement distancing itself from the chaos, attributing the situation to the failure of Hard Rock Stadium authorities to heed advice on event preparation.
Hard Rock Stadium, with a capacity of over 65,000, acknowledged the challenges faced during the final and pledged to address individual concerns of ticket holders who were unable to enter the venue. The stadium emphasized the importance of guest and staff safety above all else.
The aftermath of the Copa América final highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of security measures as preparations continue for the upcoming World Cup in 2026. The incident marred what was supposed to be a great sports celebration, with authorities and organizers working to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
