Class Action Lawsuit Over Chaos at 2024 Copa América Final
An agreement has been reached in the class action lawsuit filed by fans following the chaotic end of the 2024 Copa América between Argentina and Colombia, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Due to crowd problems before the start of the match, some fans with tickets were unable to enter the stadium, while others left early for fear of their safety. These fans are expected to constitute the majority of those who file claims. CONMEBOL, Concacaf, Best Security and South Florida Stadium LLC, owner and operator of Hard Rock Stadium, were the defendants in the lawsuit. According to the terms of the agreement, the defendants will jointly pay more than $14 million to a fund that can be accessed by fans affected by the crowd problems at the final, although the final payment will depend on the number of people who file claims.Newsome added: “We look forward to presenting the agreement to the Court.” A Concacaf spokesperson declined to comment. Hard Rock Stadium did not provide comment. CONMEBOL did not respond to a request for comment. Best Security could not be reached for comment. The match between Argentina and Colombia was delayed by 82 minutes when fans without tickets broke through security barriers to enter the stadium. Stadium staff responded by locking down the venue in an attempt to regain control. But when dangerous conditions developed, with some fans in danger of being crushed against the gates outside the stadium, the venue reopened, allowing some fans to enter, whether or not they had tickets. When the stadium reached capacity, the gates were closed again, preventing some ticketed fans from entering. Miami-Dade police reported 27 arrests and 55 ejections, while the Miami-Dade Fire Department reported that they attended to 120 incidents at the stadium, 116 of which were related to medical issues. According to the terms of the agreement, the plaintiffs can be placed in one of two categories. The first is for fans who were “denied entry” to the stadium due to crowd problems. These fans may receive a maximum refund of $2,000 per person. If the fan in question paid less than $2,000 for their ticket, they can also file a claim for a refund of up to $300 in travel expenses, as long as the maximum of $2,000 is not exceeded. The other category is for fans who were “denied full access and enjoyment of Hard Rock Stadium facilities or specific purchased seats.” This includes the purchase of concessions or merchandise, which were suspended due to overcrowding conditions. That amount will be limited to $100 per person. Fans affected by the chaos at the final will need to file claims, and among the items they must submit with the claim are a time-stamped photo or proof of identification, as well as proof of ticket purchase, and an affirmation that they were denied entry or full access to the stadium. They must also affirm that they have not received a refund for any portion of their claimed out-of-pocket funds. Fans wishing to participate in the agreement can find instructions at FinalMatchSettlement.com.This case was about defending the fans. And today, the Named Plaintiffs and the entire Class Counsel team are proud to bring real relief to the class members of the Copa América class action lawsuit.
Jeff Newsome, attorney at the firm Varnell & Warwick PA, representing the plaintiffs
