The Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia was marked by chaos at the venue, with nearly 8,000 fans managing to enter the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami without tickets.
The incident endangered thousands of fans and highlighted a serious security issue at such a large event in a country that will host the World Cup in less than two years.
It has now been revealed that more than 7,000 fans who illegally entered the stadium were identified through biometric cameras inside and outside the venue.
The identified fans will face serious consequences. In addition to criminal charges that could result in hefty fines or even imprisonment, depending on the severity, some fans may have their residency visas revoked and, in the most extreme cases, may be deported from the country.
Fans are suing the organizers
Several lawsuits have already been filed by fans against CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football, and the operators of Hard Rock Stadium, following the chaos surrounding the Copa América final.
The claimants allege that they purchased tickets for the final but that crowd control issues prevented them from entering the stadium.
The match between Argentina and Colombia was delayed by 82 minutes after ticketless fans broke through security barriers and managed to enter the venue.
Stadium staff responded by closing the venue in an attempt to regain control. But when dangerous conditions arose, with some fans at risk of being crushed against the gates, the venue was reopened, allowing some fans to enter, with or without tickets.
When the stadium reached full capacity, the stadium gates were closed again, preventing entry for some fans who had tickets.
In a statement after the final, CONMEBOL pointed the blame at Hard Rock Stadium, saying that the facility did not take its recommendations into account for the final of the most important national team tournament in South America.
In response, Hard Rock authorities stated that they “exceeded” CONMEBOL’s security recommendations.
Sources: Beingsports and ESPN