Copa America was in many ways a dress rehearsal for the USA, which will co-host the World Cup in soccer in two years. And if you look at the final, there is to that extent room for improvement.
Chaotic scenes unfolded in and around the final stadium in Miami, with ticketed and non-ticketed fans crowding the entrances. Some even tried to enter the match between Argentina and Colombia via the ventilation shafts. Children and adults cried, and several had to get medical help, while police and guards struggled to get the situation under control.
The commotion is prompting local authorities to review security leading up to the World Cup, said James Reyes, director of public safety for Miami-Dade County.
“Our police responded quickly to deal with an extremely challenging and dangerous situation where there was concern for people’s lives. We are working with the organizers to make a thorough review of all security protocols in the preparation for the World Cup in 2026,” he says, according to Reuters.
More than 800 officers were present at Hard Rock Stadium, which is the daily home ground for the NFL team Miami Dolphins. 27 people were arrested and 55 spectators thrown out before the match. Some of the fans who actually had tickets did not enter the stadium.
“We understand that there are disappointed ticket holders who were unable to enter after the entrance was closed, and we are working with Conmebol (South American Football Confederation, ed.) to take care of those people,” reads a statement from Hard Rock Stadium.
In addition to the United States, Canada and Mexico will host the final round in 2026.
On Monday, the Danish Football Union’s (DBU) director, Erik Brøgger Rasmussen, emphasized that he has confidence that the problems will be rectified.
“The Americans asked if they could be allowed to hold this tournament for the South Americans, because they wanted to practice for the World Cup, so I imagine they’ve got something to think about. The Fifa office that plans the World Cup is actually in Miami, so there are probably some of them from the office who have been to the stadium and made some observations,’ he said.
The final of the Copa America ended with a 1-0 Argentine victory after extra time.
ritzau
Source: politiken.dk
