The centenary of the Colombian Football Federation (FCF), celebrated last October 12, has generated a mix of emotions and controversies. Although the occasion has been marked by commemorative events and gestures, such as the gala chaired by international football figures such as the presidents of Fifa and Conmebol, Gianni Infantino and Alejandro Domínguez, as well as the launch of an official book and a special t-shirt that The Colombian team used it in the duel against Chile, there has been no shortage of criticism and disagreements.
One of the most discussed points has been the exclusion of historical figures from the Tricolor. Although emblematic personalities and players were invited to the gala, the notable absences of legends such as Iván Ramiro Córdoba, José Pékerman, and even the omission of Marco Coll‘s iconic Olympic goal, have left a stain on the celebrations.
These exclusions do not seem to be mere forgetfulness, but are linked to disputes or differences with the current leadership of the FCF, led by Ramón Jesurún. Players like Córdoba, who has been critical of the Federation and is linked to the birth of the Colombian Association of Professional Soccer Players (Acolfutpro), and coach José Pékerman, who had a rift with the Federation after the 2018 World Cup, are clear examples of marginalized figures for political reasons.
Even the exclusion of Yoreli Rincón and Natalia Gaitán, key players in Colombian women’s soccer, has been widely criticized.
“These soccer players were leaders in denouncing inequality in women’s soccer and seem to have been banned from the calls and, now, from the official commemorations, despite their indisputable achievements,” said Myriam Guerrero, a reference for women’s soccer in the 90.
The graphic pieces that commemorate the centenary have aroused other criticism. Although historical players such as Carlos Valderrama, Linda Caicedo, Radamel Falcao and René Higuita appear, the absences of characters such as Iván Ramiro Córdoba, José Pékerman, Yoreli Rincón, and Miguel Calero are difficult to justify. In particular, the omission of Córdoba, scorer of the goal that gave Colombia its only Copa América, has been interpreted as a decision linked to tensions with the Federation leadership.
The historic defender Iván Ramiro Córdoba avoided arguing about the issue and rather sent a message of gratitude, but not to the Federation but to the National Team: “I feel proud to have been part of the unforgettable history of the Colombian National Team, I will always be grateful for feeding my desire to wear that shirt, dreaming of succeeding with it. A special greeting to the Women’s National Team and our youth teams, who continue to build our future and have been a fundamental part of our history. Let’s go for more.”
The very validity of the centenary has been the subject of debate. Although the FCF celebrates its creation in 1924, historians point out that the Federation, as such, was not formalized until 1971. “What is really commemorated is the founding of the Atlantic League, which would later evolve into the structure of modern Colombian football. ”says statistician Álex Torres.
The official story, promoted by the leadership, seems to be more linked to the history of Junior de Barranquilla and the influence that the family that owns the club has had on the Federation. This approach has not only created a narrative centered on Barranquilla as the epicenter of Colombian football, but has left out of the celebration fundamental milestones in the history of national football, such as the first World Cup qualification in 1962 or the 2001 Copa América title. , both events linked to the El Campín stadium in Bogotá and not to the Metropolitano de Barranquilla, which has been promoted as “the home of the National Team.”
The shirt released for the centenary has been another point of contention. Although it is inspired by the uniform used in the 1945 Copa América, many consider that it does not represent the true spirit of the origins of the Colombian National Team. Furthermore, this year, the FCF has launched three different jerseys, which has been interpreted by some fans as a commercial strategy rather than a genuine celebration of the history of football in the country.
The centenary of the Colombian Football Federation should have been a moment to unite fans and celebrate the achievements of a rich and diverse history. However, the exclusions, the commercial approach, and the manipulation of the historical narrative have created divisions and controversies. While some celebrate the advancement of Colombian soccer, others see this celebration as a wasted opportunity to recognize all those who have truly built soccer in the country. Thus, the centenary becomes a mirror of the internal tensions and power struggles that continue to mark the history of Colombian football.
