Legal action initiated by injured and excluded spectators in response to Copa America stampede and violence

The aftermath of the chaos during the Copa America soccer tournament final at Hard Rock Stadium last weekend has led to the filing of multiple lawsuits. At least four lawsuits have been recorded in Miami-Dade County and federal court records against the stadium and CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, by fans citing injuries and denial of entry. Attorney Judd Rosen, representing an injured woman, criticized the lack of sufficient police officers and security guards, accusing the organizers of prioritizing profits over safety.
Stadium officials have refrained from providing detailed comments, mentioning only that they will refund unused tickets purchased directly from organizers. They previously mentioned exceeding CONMEBOL’s security recommendations for the final, which hosted the game between Argentina and Colombia. Despite being slated to host games during the 2026 World Cup, the stadium faces legal action over the events of last Sunday.
The client of attorney Rosen, Isabel Quintero, was among the ticket holders who suffered injuries during the frantic entrance attempts. Quintero incurred soft tissue damage to her knee and shoulder and chest injuries due to being pushed into a pillar. Numerous arrests were made following the altercations, with 27 individuals taken into custody, including the president of Colombia’s soccer federation and his son.
Legal representative Irwin Ast has also filed lawsuits on behalf of fans who possessed tickets but were unable to gain entry due to the influx of non-ticket holders. These fans traveled from various locations and spent significant amounts on tickets, travel, and accommodation. Ast emphasized the fear and emotional distress experienced by these fans during the stampede, underscoring the necessity for a more robust security strategy from the stadium and CONMEBOL.
Ast highlighted the gravity of the situation, pointing out that many families attended the event, viewing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The lawsuits signal the legal repercussions following the turbulent events at the Copa America final, shedding light on the impact on attendees and the areas where improvements in security measures may be required.