Colombian Football Federation President Ramon Jesurun Arrested with Son After Copa America Final

In a shocking turn of events, the President of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramon Jesurun, was arrested along with his son following the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.

According to Miami-Dade Police records, Jesurun faces three counts of aggravated assault. Both he and his son, Ramon Jamil Jesurun, were detained at Hard Rock Stadium. Along with the Jesuruns, 25 other individuals were arrested, and 55 were ejected from the venue.

Jesurun, 71, is accused of assaulting a law enforcement officer or event staff. He was taken into custody with bail set at $1,000 per charge. As of 5 PM on Monday, July 15th, he remained in police custody.

The hours leading up to the Copa America final were marked by chaotic scenes. Miami, with its large immigrant populations from both Argentina and Colombia, saw an immense demand for tickets, starting at $1,300 on the secondary market. This high demand led to fans illegally breaching the stadium through vents and entrances.

At the final match, 550 police officers were present to maintain security. However, footage revealed that event organizers allowed fans to enter without ticket checks to prevent dangerous stampedes at the gates. This decision has led to significant backlash against CONMEBOL and event organizers from the public and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

The match started an hour late due to overcrowding in the stands. Fortunately, the final was completed, ending with Argentina’s victory after Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time.

After the match, players from La Albiceleste criticized the conditions as “inhumane” and labeled the event a “disaster.” Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister even left the locker room before the game to ensure the safety of his family amidst the post-match chaos.

The events surrounding the final have sparked intense scrutiny and criticism, highlighting significant security and organizational failures at one of football’s most prestigious tournaments.