Why Colombia midfielder Campaz skipped flight home after World Cup exit

Colombia midfielder Jáminton Campaz chose not to travel home with the national team after their World Cup elimination because of death threats directed at him and his family following the defeat to Switzerland.

The 25-year-old, who missed a golden chance in extra time before Colombia lost 4-3 on penalties in the Round of 16, remained in Canada or travelled directly to Argentina instead of boarding the team's charter flight as a precaution.

The Rosario Central midfielder became the target of online abuse after the match, with social media flooded by hostile comments and threats.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JAMINTON CAMPAZ (@bicho08_)

Campaz later restricted comments on his accounts and appealed for respect in an emotional Instagram post.

"To the entire country, I can only say that I share the pain of this elimination," he wrote. "We also dreamed of moving forward... My Colombia, please let us never set respect aside. We can think differently, feel frustration or sadness, but no passion justifies hatred and living in fear."

The Colombian Football Association condemned the threats, saying no player or their family should face intimidation for representing the country, and urged the attorney general's office to swiftly identify those responsible.

"Football must be a space for unity, respect and hope, never a setting for hatred, intimidation or violence," the federation said.

The threats have drawn comparisons with one of Colombian football's darkest chapters.

After scoring an own goal at the 1994 World Cup, defender Andrés Escobar was murdered shortly after returning home from the tournament.