CONMEBOL blames Copa America chaos on Hard Rock Stadium officials after 27 arrests and 55 ejections in Miami as Argentina beat Colombia

CONMEBOL, the South American football governing body accused of mismanaging the 2024 Copa América, is pointing the finger at stadium management in Miami after 27 people were arrested and another 55 ejected in a chaotic scene during the tournament final on Sunday.

“CONMEBOL was subject to the decisions of the Hard Rock Stadium authorities, in accordance with the contractual responsibilities established for security operations,” the organization said in a statement on Monday after Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia a day earlier.

‘In addition to the preparations laid down in this contract, CONMEBOL has recommended to these authorities the procedures that have been proven in events of this magnitude, but which have NOT been taken into account.

“We regret that the violent acts of malicious individuals tarnished what should have been a great sporting event,” the statement concluded.

Hard Rock Stadium is technically owned by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. Team representatives did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for comment.

A police officer carries an unconscious fan outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami

Miami-Dade County in Florida is reviewing its security protocols for the 2026 World Cup after more than two dozen fans were arrested during Sunday’s Copa America final, the culmination of a tournament mired in discord.

According to the organizers, fans without tickets ran past security and tried to enter the Hard Rock Stadium, leading to a chaotic situation at the future site of the World Cup.

Police imposed a lockdown and hundreds of fans were trapped outside in the stifling heat, while South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL repeatedly delayed the match between Argentina and Colombia, eventually kicking off more than an hour late.

“Last night, our law enforcement teams responded quickly to an extremely challenging and dangerous situation,” Miami-Dade County Public Safety Director James Reyes said in a statement.

“We are working with the event organisers to conduct a comprehensive review of all safety and security protocols as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.”

Colombian federation president Ramon Jesurun and his son were among the 27 arrested. The pair were accused of fighting with security personnel after the match.

They face three felony counts of assault, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by Reuters. The Colombian federation did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

More than 800 police officers were present at the stadium, home to the National Football League’s Miami Dolphins and accustomed to welcoming huge crowds to major sporting events, including the Super Bowl four years ago.

A source with knowledge of the security plans told Reuters that security at the Copa final was less tight than at the 2020 NFL championship game, with fans not allowed near the stadium entrances unless they showed a pass on the outside.

A bloodied fan is led away by police in Miami on Sunday after being handcuffed.

Fans complained about the intense heat as increased security lengthened the entry process

Hard Rock Stadium did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its security plans, but said in an earlier statement that it had “more than double” the staff on Sunday than it would have at a normal event. The stadium has a capacity of more than 65,000.

“We understand that there are disappointed ticket buyers who were unable to enter the stadium after the site was closed. We will work with CONMEBOL to address the concerns of these individuals,” the press release said.

“Ultimately, nothing is more important than the health and safety of all guests and employees.”

The venue is expected to host seven matches, including the bronze medal match, during the 2026 World Cup, which is organised by the international sports governing body FIFA.

Similar incidents have recently occurred during several major football matches in London and Paris, among other places.

Still, it was a bitter disappointment for fans of a tournament that was supposed to showcase the camaraderie between the confederations, with the United States hosting South America’s premier national team tournament for the second time.

Argentina fans make gestures as they enter the stadium, while unrest erupts outside the stadium

A crowd of fans were pushed against the entrance on Sunday as kick-off approached

Instead, things collapsed at the starting line. Empty seats were seen at several group games, with fans complaining about high prices and distant stadiums.

The American team failed to progress beyond the group stage and parted ways with their head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Security personnel then came under fire after Uruguayan players clashed with Colombian fans following their Copa America semi-final defeat in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa later told reporters that relatives of his players were attacked in the stands and he criticised Copa organisers for failing to protect them.

Canada coach Jesse Marsh also criticized tournament organizers ahead of the third-place match against Uruguay, calling the event unprofessional at all levels.

“Our players have been headbutted. Racist insults have been hurled at our players, live and on social media,” he said.

He also accused referees of bias against CONCACAF players.

“There are so many things I could say.”