Miami-Dade County, Florida, will reevaluate safety measures for the 2026 World Cup after greater than two dozen followers have been arrested at Sunday’s Copa America closing, concluding a match marked by turmoil.
Organizers reported that ticketless followers breached safety, trying to storm Hard Rock Stadium, creating chaos on the future World Cup website.
Police initiated a lockdown, leaving a whole bunch of followers stranded in scorching warmth whereas CONMEBOL, South American soccer’s governing physique, repeatedly delayed the Argentina-Colombia match, which ultimately began greater than an hour late.
“Last night our law enforcement teams responded swiftly to handle an extremely challenging, dangerous situation,” stated James Reyes, chief of public security for Miami-Dade County, in a press release.
“We are working with the event organizers to conduct a comprehensive review of all safety and security protocols as we continue to prepare for the World Cup in 2026.”
Among the 27 folks arrested have been Colombian Federation President Ramon Jesurun and his son who have been later launched on Tuesday.
The pair have been accused of preventing safety personnel after the match ended and face three felony counts of battery, in response to a prison criticism reviewed by Reuters.
The Colombian federation didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Major occasions venue
More than 800 regulation enforcement officers have been current on the stadium, house to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, which has hosted massive crowds at main sporting occasions, together with the Super Bowl 4 years in the past.
A supply aware of safety plans informed Reuters that safety was tighter for the 2020 NFL championship recreation than for the Copa closing, the place followers couldn’t method stadium entrances with out exhibiting a move at an outdoor perimeter.
Hard Rock Stadium didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon its safety plans however stated in a previous assertion that it had “more than doubled” personnel on Sunday in comparison with a typical capability occasion. The stadium has a capability of over 65,000.
“We understand there are disappointed ticket holders who were unable to enter the stadium after the perimeter was closed, and we will work with CONMEBOL to address those concerns,” it stated.
“Ultimately, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of all guests and staff.”
CONMEBOL pointed blame on the venue in a press release on Monday, stating it was “subject to decisions made by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities.”
“CONMEBOL recommended to these authorities the procedures proven in events of this magnitude, which were NOT taken into account,” CONMEBOL stated.
The venue is ready to host seven matches, together with the bronze medal recreation, on the 2026 World Cup organized by FIFA, the game’s international governing physique.
Similar incidents have occurred at latest main soccer matches in cities similar to London and Paris.
Nonetheless, it was a bitter disappointment for followers at a match meant to showcase inter-confederation camaraderie, with the United States internet hosting South America’s premier nationwide group match for the second time.
Instead, the occasion stumbled out of the gate. Empty seats have been seen at a number of group matches, with followers complaining about excessive costs and distant stadiums.
The U.S. group did not advance past the group stage, prompting the departure of head coach Gregg Berhalter.
Security personnel got here beneath scrutiny once more after Uruguay gamers clashed with Colombia followers following their Copa America semi-final defeat in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa later informed reporters that gamers’ members of the family have been assaulted within the stands and criticized Copa organizers for failing to guard them.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch additionally criticized match organizers forward of his group’s third-place match towards Uruguay, describing the occasion as unprofessional at each degree.
“We’ve had our players head-butted. We’ve had racial slurs directed at our players, both live and through social media,” he stated.
Marsch additionally accused referees of bias towards CONCACAF gamers.
“There are so many things I could say.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com