Barely two days after Spain's success at the Euro, the Spanish Football Federation has plunged back into turmoil. The Administrative Court of Sport has suspended its president, Pedro Rocha, for two years. This decision follows his controversial dismissal of the then-general secretary, Andreu Camps, and his involvement in another case of corruption and irregularities committed during the presidency of Luis Rubiales. Rocha, who succeeded Rubiales after the latter's scandalous 'forced kiss' incident involving player Jenni Hermoso, has announced his intention to appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, the president of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramon Jesurún Franco, and his son, Ramon Jamil, were arrested by Miami-Dade police following the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia. The arrest came after a chaotic scene at the Hard Rock Stadium, where thousands of fans attempted to enter without tickets, leading to disturbances. Jesurún and his son face charges of assaulting stadium security officers. The incident has prompted a call for a thorough review of safety protocols ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Miami-Dade Police emphasizing the need for improved measures to prevent such chaos in the future.
The Copa America final itself saw Argentina secure a victory over Colombia, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the decisive goal. However, the match was marred by the chaotic events outside the stadium and the subsequent arrest of Jesurún, who was notably absent from the awards ceremony. The incidents have cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory event, highlighting significant security and organizational challenges.
