November 25 – A settlement has been reached in the class action lawsuit stemming from the 2024 Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. The scene outside the venue saw ticketless fans forcing their way in and overwhelm security, while many ticketholders didn’t even manage to gain access to the stadium.
The lawsuit named CONMEBOL, Concacaf, Best Security, and South Florida Stadium LLC as defendants. According to settlement terms, they’ll contribute up to $14 million to a fund for fans who were kept out of the stadium or felt unsafe enough to leave. The final payout depends on how many people file claims.
“This case was about standing up for the fans,” said Jeff Newsome of Varnell & Warwick PA, speaking for the plaintiffs. “The Named Plaintiffs and the entire Class Counsel team are proud to deliver real relief. We look forward to presenting the settlement to the Court.”
The final was delayed 82 minutes after crowds without tickets broke through barricades. Hard Rock security locked down the building, but then reopened the gates when they felt that conditions outside became dangerous, with fans getting pushed against security fencing, leading to fears that people would be crushed. By the end of the night, Miami-Dade Police reported 27 arrests and 55 ejections. Fire Rescue logged 120 incidents, mostly for medical reasons.
Under the settlement, fans who were denied entry can receive up to two thousand dollars, plus up to three hundred in travel expenses, as long as the combined total stays under that cap. Fans who made it inside but couldn’t reach their seats or access concessions because of overcrowding can receive up to one hundred dollars. The venue also experienced significant damage with some supporters even utilising air vents to sneak into the concourses.
To be eligible for compensation, claimants need to provide proof of identity, proof of ticket purchase, a timestamped photo, and a sworn statement describing what happened. Instructions are available at FinalMatchSettlement.com.