Hard Rock Stadium hits back at Conmebol

Hard Rock Stadium officials have defended the security measures for the July 14 Copa America final, after Conmebol accused them of ignoring advice that might have prevented the chaotic incidents that held up the game.

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The showpiece final between Colombia and Argentina at the Miami venue was delayed by 82 minutes as overwhelmed security struggled to get fans inside after ticketless supporters rushed the entry points.

Conmebol, the governing body for football in South America, suggested that local organisers failed to follow recommended procedures, such as setting up an outer perimeter to screen ticketless fans.

"We regret that the acts of violence produced by malicious people have tarnished a final that was ready to be a great celebration of sport," Conmebol said in a statement, adding that it "was subject to the decisions made by the Hard Rock Stadium authorities", according to contractual responsibilities.

But stadium officials insisted on July 16 that security measures were jointly decided by the venue, Conmebol and local law enforcement.