The president of the Colombian Football Federation and his son were arrested by Miami-Dade police Monday morning following chaos during the Copa America final in Miami Gardens, Florida, Sunday night, an arrest affidavit shows.
Ramon Jesurun, who is also CONMEBOL vice president and a member of the FIFA Council since 2016, and his son, Ramon Jamil Jesurun, were arrested around 12:30 a.m. ET on Monday and booked on three counts of assault on an official, the arrest affidavit said.
Both men are accused of fighting with security guards around 12:20 a.m. Monday near a tunnel where media had gathered, the arrest affidavit said.
The incident took place after the Copa America final between Colombia and Argentina, which Lionel Scaloni’s team won 1-0 after extra time.
Ramon Jesurun, 71, and Ramon Jamil Jesurun, 43, were trying to reach a section of the stadium tunnel where media were gathering after the game when they were stopped by a security officer, the arrest affidavit said. The altercation turned physical when the officer “placed an open palm on (Ramon Jamil Jesurun’s) chest to direct him back” and Ramon Jamil Jesurun then grabbed the officer “around the neck” and pulled the officer to the ground, the affidavit said. Ramon Jamil Jesurun “threw two punches that struck the officer” and then “directed a direct kick” to the officer’s head as he lay on the ground, the affidavit said.
Jesurun and Ramon Jamil Jesurun were was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at about 4:15 a.m. Monday, just hours after the loss to Argentina, prison records show.
The Colombian Football Federation did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia was postponed due to chaotic scenes outside the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Thousands of fans were stopped, with many trying to enter without tickets. This led to the security gates being closed around 6:00 PM ET. Kickoff was initially delayed to 8:30 PM ET, and then further delayed to 9:22 PM ET.
Copa América security. One gate open in the southwest corner, 90 minutes before kick-off. Thousands of very hot fans there. The problem is about to happen. Not good photo.twitter.com/glEgYV2VAG
— Jack Lang (@jacklang) July 14, 2024
The incidents resulted in extensive property damage, injuries to stadium staff, law enforcement officers and innocent visitors. A statement from Miami-Dade County confirmed that there were 27 arrests and 55 evictions from stadium grounds.
“Last night, our law enforcement teams responded quickly to address an extremely challenging, dangerous situation that posed life-safety concerns to those in attendance. I am grateful to every member of MDPD, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation, as well as our partner organizations, for working together to keep fans and our community safe and prevent major incidents,” said Public Safety Director James Reyes. “We are working with event organizers to conduct a comprehensive review of all safety and security protocols as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.”
Miami-Dade County Executive Stephanie V. Daniels added, “I am very proud of the way our officers responded to an explosive situation and their hard work to keep our community safe, as well as our law enforcement partners who provided critical support.
“As part of the full analysis of last night’s match, we will be reviewing the protocols in place to ensure an orderly, safe and secure environment for all future events.”
Multiple arrests were made for assault on a police officer and trespassing. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue set up a station inside the gate to help people suffering from heat exhaustion as temperatures soared to 88 degrees.
Fans spoken by The Athletics blamed CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation, for the poor organization. Officials including the Miami-Dade Police Department cited “unruly behavior” as a cause of the disruptions, while stadium organizers stressed the need for security and controlled access for ticket holders.
“In light of this situation, CONMEBOL was subject to the decisions taken by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities, in accordance with the contractual responsibilities established for security operations. In addition to the provisions set out in this contract, CONMEBOL advised these authorities of the procedures proven in events of this magnitude, which were NOT taken into account,” the confederation said in a statement on its website. “We regret that the violent acts caused by malicious individuals marred a final that was set to become a great celebration of sport.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava later condemned the scenes in a joint statement with Reyes, before promising a thorough investigation into the causes.
GO DEEPER
Copa America final kick-off postponed after fans struggle to enter stadium
(Photo by Ramon Jesurun: Andres Rot/FIFA via Getty Images)