Kidnapping fears over Copa America
13 April 2012
Leftist rebels have kidnapped Hernan Mejia, the vice-president of the Colombian Football Federation, sparking new concern about holding the Copa America tournament in the war-torn South American country.
The abduction, as well as reported kidnap threats against Argentine players follow a wave of bombings last month that prompted emergency consultations among top South American football officials about Colombia's ability to safely host the 12-nation Copa America from 11-29 July.
Mejia was one of 20 people seized at a rural roadblock near the western city of Pereira.
