Hard Rock Stadium hits back at Conmebol after Copa America final chaos
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People get into a scuffle with the police at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, ahead of the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.
PHOTO: REUTERS
MIAMI – Hard Rock Stadium officials have defended the security measures for the July 14 Copa America final, after Conmebol accused them of ignoring advice that might have prevented the chaotic incidents that held up the game.
The showpiece final between Colombia and Argentina at the Miami venue was delayed by 82 minutes as overwhelmed security struggled to get fans inside after ticketless supporters rushed the entry points.
Conmebol, the governing body for football in South America, suggested that local organisers failed to follow recommended procedures, such as setting up an outer perimeter to screen ticketless fans.
“We regret that the acts of violence produced by malicious people have tarnished a final that was ready to be a great celebration of sport,” Conmebol said in a statement, adding that it “was subject to the decisions made by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities”, according to contractual responsibilities.
But stadium officials insisted on July 16 that security measures were jointly decided by the venue, Conmebol and local law enforcement.
“Hard Rock Stadium has safely hosted hundreds of world-class events in its 37-year history, including Super Bowls, major international soccer matches, Formula One, NFL (National Football League) and college football, headline concert tours and other global events,” the management of the venue said.
“In each of those, security was a joint effort amongst the organiser, local law enforcement agencies and the venue.
“As we’ve previously said, Hard Rock Stadium worked collaboratively with Conmebol, Concacaf (the governing body for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean) and local law enforcement agencies on security both leading up to and during the Copa America tournament.”
On the security measures, it added: “The agencies met regularly, including daily security briefings throughout the month-long tournament. Hard Rock Stadium implemented and, in many cases, exceeded Conmebol’s security recommendations throughout the tournament and the final.”
The stadium, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, hosted the 2020 Super Bowl. However, the disturbing scenes before the Copa America final, won 1-0 by Argentina, immediately raised concerns for the 2026 World Cup which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Local police, overwhelmed by the situation despite the presence of 800 officers, said they detained 27 people and ejected 55 others from the venue.
Apart from the ticketless fans trying to rush in, some fans had needed medical attention for heat exhaustion after being crushed at the entrance of the stadium – another concern for organisers.
On that chaotic evening, the Colombian federation president and his son were also arrested after an altercation with multiple security guards following the game. He was later released on bail.
With the United States preparing for the World Cup, Miami-Dade County said it would review security protocols with Hard Rock Stadium set to host seven matches, including the third-place game.
In separate news, Jaime Lozano was dropped as coach of Mexico after rejecting a plan that included a demotion for the upcoming World Cup cycle, the Mexican Football Federation said.
The federation said it offered a new contract to the 45-year-old until 2030 that included him working under a “more experienced” coach from 2024 to 2026. Lozano, under the deal, would have returned at some stage between 2026 and 2030 as the head coach. But, after examining the proposal, he “doesn’t wish to continue and we respect his decision”, a statement said.
Mexico were eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America. AFP, REUTERS
