Due to problems at the entrance to the Copa America final stadium in Miami, the match between Argentina and Colombia did not start until almost an hour and a half late
What happened? Around two hours before the final match for the Copa America 2024, originally scheduled for 2 a.m. CEST, there were tumultuous scenes outside the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The pressure on the barriers became so great that there was a health hazard. Some spectators without tickets also apparently forced their way into the stadium in this chaotic situation.
“Inhumane” situation at the entrance
Families of players were apparently also affected by the admission problems. The mother of Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Silvina Mac Allister, told South American media that the conditions at the gates were “inhumane”. It was only with the help of her son, who had even come out of the dressing room, that she and other family members were finally able to reach their seats.
After the intrusion of some unauthorized visitors, the stadium operator and organizers subsequently tried to de-escalate the situation and asked the fans who had entered the stadium area without a ticket to leave again. Nevertheless, some fans without tickets apparently remained in the stadium and took the seats of regular visitors with valid tickets. The security staff seemed overwhelmed by the situation
Kick-off postponed several times
The kick-off, which was initially postponed to 2.30 CEST, was then pushed back in 15-minute increments to further calm the situation, before the match was finally kicked off at 3.22 a.m. with 82 minutes to play.
Even before the Copa, there had been repeated criticism of the organization of the tournament and questions had been raised about the 2026 World Cup. The Copa was also seen as a kind of dress rehearsal for co-hosts USA
