Colombia: Football Federation President Arrested After Final

The 71-year-old president of Colombia’s soccer federation and his son were arrested in Miami on Monday for allegedly clashing with security guards after the Copa America final, which saw chaotic scenes around the stadium, Miami-Dade police confirmed.

Sunday’s final, which Colombia lost to Argentina, started more than an hour late after police imposed a blockade that left hundreds of fans stranded outside Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. Videos circulating on social media showed security struggling as fans tried to break through the gates.

Ramon Heceron, the president of the federation, and his son Ramon Jamil, 43, were arrested after an altercation on the field shortly after midnight, according to arrest reports from Miami police, who charged the two men with assault. Heceron and his son were charged after they clashed with security guards in a tunnel where media had gathered after the game, according to police reports.

❗🇨🇴⚔🇦🇷 – Ramon Jesuron, president of the Colombian Football Federation, has been arrested in the United States.

Controversy continues over the Copa America final, which will be held in the United States in 2024, and Colombia remains in the spotlight, not only because of its performance in the finals, but also because of… pic.twitter.com/rshdSCGqfZ

— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) July 15, 2024

It all started when fans tried to enter the stadium without a ticket.

Among them was a uniformed security guard tasked with keeping the crowds away. According to police, Ben Hecheron grabbed the guard by the neck and dragged him to the ground, where he punched and kicked him in the head. More than 25 fans were arrested at Sunday’s Copa America final and more than 50 people were evacuated from the stadium, which was attended by more than 800 police officers.

It was the second time the United States had hosted America’s premier national soccer tournament, which was founded a century ago. Although Colombia lost 1-0 in the final to Argentina, the brilliant James was named the tournament’s MVP.

Hard Rock Stadium said in a statement Monday that it had prepared for the game by increasing the number of police and security personnel, with “more than double the number of staff at a normal event.” After the gates were closed and reopened, the stadium said, “Fans continued their unlawful behavior: fighting with police, tearing down walls and barriers, and vandalizing the field, causing significant property damage.”

The stadium has a capacity of more than 65,000 seats and is scheduled to host seven matches in the 2026 World Cup. Incidents also occurred in the Colombia-Uruguay match between Colombia fans and Celeste players.