Jeff Carlisle
A class-action lawsuit initiated by fans after the chaotic 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, reached a settlement on Monday.
Pre-game disturbances caused issues, preventing some ticketed fans from entering the stadium, while others chose to leave early due to safety fears. These circumstances are expected to lead to a significant number of lawsuits from affected fans.
Defendants in the lawsuit included CONMEBOL, Concacaf, Best Security, and South Florida Stage LLC, the operator of Hard Rock Stadium. As part of the settlement, they will pay over $14 million into a fund accessible to impacted fans, although the final amount disbursed will depend on the number of claims submitted.
Jeff Newsom, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, stated, “This lawsuit was about standing up for the fans, and today, the entire team of named plaintiffs and class attorneys is pleased to provide real relief to Copa America class members.” He also indicated that he looks forward to presenting the proposed settlement to the court.
Concacaf officials did not provide a comment, and Hard Rock Stadium as well as CONMEBOL did not respond to ESPN’s inquiries. Attempts to reach Best Security for comment were also unsuccessful.
During the final, the match was delayed by 82 minutes due to an influx of fans without tickets who breached security barriers. Stadium authorities attempted to control the situation by locking down the venue. However, faced with a dangerous situation where fans risked being trampled, they reopened access, allowing some without tickets to enter. Once the stadium reached full capacity, ticketed fans were once again denied entry.
Miami-Dade Police reported that 27 individuals were arrested and 55 were removed, while the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to 120 incidents at the venue, with 116 being medical emergencies.
According to settlement terms, fans are categorized into two groups. The first group includes those who were “denied entry” and they may receive refunds of up to $2,000 each. Although some fans paid more on the secondary market, the settlement aims to assist most fans based on their original ticket prices. If a fan spent less than $2,000, they can also file for up to $300 in travel expenses, as long as the total claim does not exceed $2,000.
The second category is for fans who experienced restricted access to the stadium or could not use their specific seats, as well as those who couldn’t take advantage of perks or merchandise due to overcrowding, with a maximum compensation of $100 per person.
To claim their settlement, affected fans will need to submit documentation such as a time-stamped photo or ID, proof of ticket purchase, and evidence of the denied entry or access. They must also confirm they have not received refunds for any incurred charges.
Instructions for fans wishing to participate in the settlement can be found at FinalMatchSettlement.com.
ESPN writer Lizzie Becherano contributed to this report.
Fan Take: This settlement signifies a vital step toward holding organizers accountable for fan safety during major events, reinforcing that fans deserve proper treatment and protection. For soccer enthusiasts, it underscores the importance of ensuring secure and enjoyable match-day experiences, setting a precedent for future events.
