Colombia Football Federation President Arrested Amid Copa America Chaos
Ramón Jesurán, the president of the Colombian Football Federation and a vice president with CONMEBOL, was arrested for battery on a specified official or employee following Colombia's loss to Argentina in the Copa America final. The incident occurred at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
According to multiple sources, Jesurán and his son Ramón Jamil Jesurán were accused of attacking security guards after they were denied access to a tunnel where media was gathering. Both father and son allegedly became irate when asked to step back by a guard and the situation escalated into a physical altercation.
The elder Jesurán, who also serves on the FIFA Council, was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center just after 4:15 a.m. Monday and is facing two felony counts of battery on a specified official or employee. His son was also arrested and charged with one misdemeanor battery count.
The arrests came amid chaos at the Copa America final, which saw 27 arrests and 55 ejections made in total. Ticketed fans were kept out of the stadium due to unsafe conditions, while others without tickets were able to enter by rushing in when gates were opened.
This is not the first time Jesurán has been involved in controversy. In 2023, he was suspended for six months from all football-related activities after being found guilty of manipulating international transfers involving players under the age of 18.
Despite these incidents, Jesurán maintains his innocence and has vowed to fight the charges. The Colombian Football Federation has yet to release a statement regarding the arrests.
The Copa America final saw Argentina emerge as champions after defeating Colombia 1-0 in extra time. Lionel Scaloni's team secured their place in the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Qatar later this year.