CONMEBOL Blames Hard Rock Stadium Authorities for Copa America Final Chaos

WHAT HAPPENED?

The much-anticipated continental final, where Lionel Messi and Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Colombia to defend their crown successfully, saw thousands of fans without tickets attempting to force their way into the stadium. This influx overwhelmed the entry points, causing significant chaos and a delay to the start of the match. The kick-off was initially postponed by half an hour and then further delayed by 15 minutes, ultimately starting 82 minutes late.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Social media was flooded with videos showing fans breaching security barriers near the southwest entrance of the stadium in Miami Gardens. Fans could be seen jumping over railings and bypassing police and stadium staff. The lacking numbers of security personnel and the overwhelmed ticket scanning systems were evident. In some extreme cases, fans were captured on video climbing fences and even crawling through vents to gain entry.

WHAT CONMEBOL SAID

In a strongly worded statement, CONMEBOL expressed regret over the events that transpired, and said that the security operation was managed by Hard Rock Stadium authorities as per contractual obligations, with recommended procedures for such large-scale events not implemented.

The statement read: “As is known, in the final played in Miami, fans without tickets went to the vicinity of the stadium, which delayed the normal access of the people who did have them, which slowed down entry and led to the closure of doors. Given this situation, CONMEBOL was subject to the decisions made by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities, in accordance with the contractual responsibilities established for the security operation.

“In addition to the provisions determined in said contract, CONMEBOL recommended to said authorities the procedures tested in events of this magnitude, which were NOT taken into account. We regret that the acts of violence caused by malicious people have tarnished a final that was ready to be a great sporting celebration.”

Comunicado CONMEBOL: Final de la CONMEBOL @Copaamerica 2024™

— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) July 15, 2024

DID YOU KNOW?

This incident is just one of several organizational and security problems that plagued the Copa America tournament. Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa openly criticized tournament organisers following a violent clash between his players and Colombian fans. Canada boss Jesse Marsch also expressed dissatisfaction, stating that his team felt they were treated as second-class participants in the tournament.

WHAT NEXT?

The issues at the Copa America final cast a shadow over the reputation of the Hard Rock Stadium, which is slated to host seven World Cup games in 2026. The stadium and local authorities will need to address these concerns to ensure that similar problems do not arise during the World Cup, which will attract even larger crowds and greater scrutiny.