CONMEBOL may be the organizer of the 2024 Copa América but if you ask the South American governing body, it is not to blame for the chaos at the final on Sunday.
Instead, CONMEBOL decided to cast the blame at Hard Rock Stadium in a statement released on Monday night.
The final between Argentina and Colombia was marred by ugly scenes ahead of the match, as fans stormed through entry gates outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. In response, authorities closed all of the stadium’s entrances, causing a dangerous crush of fans stranded in the heat and humidity.
To avoid a possible tragedy, organizers allowed scores of fans to enter the stadium without their tickets being checked or going through metal detectors.
One day after the final, CONMEBOL said that it recommended a set of procedures to Hard Rock Stadium authorities, who proceeded to ignore those recommendations.
“As it is already known, during the final held in Miami, fans without tickets went to the stadium’s vicinity, which delayed the normal access of people who did have tickets, slowing down the entry and leading to the closure of doors,” a statement read.
“In this situation, CONMEBOL was subject to the decisions made by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities, according to the contractual responsibilities established for security operations.
“In addition to the preparations determined in this contract, CONMEBOL recommended to these authorities the procedures proven in events of this magnitude, which were NOT taken into account.
“We regret that the acts of violence caused by malicious individuals have tarnished a final that was ready to be a great sports celebration.”
CONMEBOL was in charge
CONMEBOL attempting to wash its hands of the situation is hard to square with the fact that the South American confederation had full control over the entire tournament.
The confederation’s own regulations for the Copa América state that it is in charge of the tournament’s management, and has “full authority” to resolve any issues that arise.
“CONMEBOL shall be responsible for the management of the Competition, with the power to control and organize the matches, and shall instruct its commissions, officials and officers to ensure that the Competition runs smoothly,” says Article 6 of Chapter 1.
“CONMEBOL has full authority to resolve all matters relating to the Competition and its decisions are final, binding and unappealable.”
Hard Rock Stadium responds
After CONMEBOL’s statement, Hard Rock Stadium responded with a statement of its own on Tuesday.
The venue said that it “implemented, and in many cases exceeded, CONMEBOL’s security recommendations throughout the tournament and the final.”
Statement from Hard Rock Stadium: pic.twitter.com/9hP9MdFUxZ
— Hard Rock Stadium (@HardRockStadium) July 16, 2024
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