By R. Alexander Núñez
The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) He came out this Friday in defense of the members of the national team after the controversy generated after an official act led by the president Gustavo Petroprior to the team’s participation in the World Cup 2026. The entity rejected the criticism and questions directed at the footballers for the attitude they showed during the national flag delivery ceremony.
In a statement, The federation expressed its rejection of “any manifestation of aggression, harassment or disqualification directed against the players” and recalled that the members of the team represent all Colombians without political or ideological distinction. The statement came after images of the event provoked numerous reactions on social networks and the media.
The ceremony took place on Thursday and was announced at the last minute. The press did not have access to the event, in which The players received a hat from the Colombian president before embarking on the journey to the World Cup.
According to the images released later, several members of the squad appeared with serious expressions during the protocol. The situation led to comments and speculation about the footballers’ alleged discomfort during the activity.
The photo with Antonella Petro and the institutional support
One of the moments that generated the most impact involved the captain James Rodríguez and Antonella Petroyoungest daughter of the president. During the formal greeting, the young woman asked the footballer for a photograph. However, James continued to advance to greet the rest of the people present on stage, including the highest authority in the country, in a scene that was interpreted by some users as a snub.
The meeting also included the delivery of institutional gifts. The selector Nestor Lorenzo He gave the president a shirt signed by all the players, in addition to the Trionda ball, which will be used in the 2026 World Cup matches.
#ATTENTION? Antonella Petro, daughter of President Gustavo Petro, spoke out about the viral video that suggested an alleged rudeness on the part of the player James Rodríguez. The teenager clarified the situation and at the same time left an important message of unity for all Colombians.? https://t.co/gdxNcegyiq pic.twitter.com/C5LPIeAr09
— Colombia Oscura (@ColombiaOscura) June 6, 2026
In the official photograph of the event, James Rodríguez appeared located at the back of the group. For its part, the national flag was held by Gustavo Petro along with the footballers Luis Díaz, Jorge Carrascal and John Arias.
Faced with the controversy, the FCF recalled that the delivery of the flag constitutes a protocol tradition historically linked to Colombian sports delegations that participate in world and Olympic competitions.
“The Colombian National Team represents the nation in all its diversity and plurality”said the entity.
The federation added that the players “embody the values of sport and collective effort, carrying with them the enthusiasm and feelings of millions of Colombians, regardless of any political or ideological consideration.”
The FCF asked fans to maintain their support for the team ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June 11. Colombia will join Group K, where it will face Uzbekistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Portugal in the initial phase of the tournament.
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