Dirty Soccer: Columbia

In Colombian soccer had become way more than just a sport. It had become a source of power for the Colombian drug lords. In the early 1990’s, Colombian soccer had hit is peak as one of the world’s highest ranked soccer teams but tragedy took the squad on a roller coaster ride into the darkness soccer history. In 2013 the Colombian team qualified for their first World Cup since the 1994 scandal that took the world stage.

Colombian soccer had always been funded in secret by Colombian cocaine dealers prior to 1994. At that year’s World Cup Columbia was a favorite not only in their group but to win the entire tournament. Columbia needed a win against the United States in their final match in order to move through to the bracket play. Early in the match, a ball shot off the foot United States forward John Harkes, awkwardly bounced of the foot of Colombian Captain Andres Escobar causing an own Goal. The United States eventually went on to win the match 2-1 eliminating the world’s top ranked team from contention.

When the national team arrived back into Columbia there were riots and threats at the life of Escobar. A few nights later he talked to a fellow teammate about not being scared and just wanted to get on with his life. He decided to go out to a night club where he was murdered by the body guard of Pablo Escobar, the most notorious Colombian dealer. The body guard only served 11 years of the 48 year prison sentence in the murder of Andres Escobar.

After the scandal which stained Colombian soccer history, the government cracked down on the drug funding. The Colombian government was criticized around the world for allowing the drug lords to fund the national team.  The Colombian Authorities cut drug funds toward the national team shortly after. Soon after the national soccer program went bankrupt and didn't have enough money to fund scouting and youth program leading to the demise of soccer in Columbia.

In the upcoming World Cup this summer the Columbia is again a favorite. They will be entering the first tournament since the 1994 World Cup. Columbia lost generations of soccer talent because there was a lack of funding and could never afford to get back on the world stage. Funding has recently been reinstated by undisclosed sources. They have built their program from near scratch and look to avenge there embarrassing loss to the United States.

Next week we will move to Columbia’s neighbor Brazil. Brazil is arguably the greatest soccer country in the world. They have won five World Cups and are home to the greatest soccer player of all time Pele as well as other soccer greats. Ronaldinho, another Brazilian great, has been heralded as top five player of all-time and one of the top technical players in history. Hope you join us next week as we delve into soccer greatness.