‘Football is passion in peace’ – Authorities responsible for Luis Diaz’s father’s release hailed by Colombian Football Federation

The National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla organization kidnapped the father of Liverpool football player Luis Diaz in Colombia. After 13 days, an operation conducted by the Colombian military, the UN, and the Catholic Church resulted in the release of Luis Manuel Diaz from the ELN. The government announced on Thursday, “We are happy to announce Luis Manuel Díaz’s release. He made it back to his family and his community safely.”

On Thursday, Diaz was transported by helicopter to the nearby city of Valledupar from the area of his captivity in the Serranía de Perijá mountain range near the Venezuelan border.

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) issued a statement on Thursday morning expressing gratitude to the authorities involved in the rescue. The statement conveyed, “The Colombian Football Federation thanks the National Government, the Military and National Police Forces, as well as all the institutions and officials who made possible the release of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of our player Luis Diaz.”

“Football, as a sporting discipline, epitomizes the talent, dedication, teamwork, and inherent values of the human being. In Colombia, it should persist as a symbol of entertainment, wholesome competition, unity, and joy.”

“Hence, we emphasize the importance of sustaining this activity, along with those engaged in it, encompassing the sports realm, administration, and their families, irrespective of any circumstance beyond the realm of sports. Behind a ball, the dreams and aspirations of children, young individuals, women, men, and adults, along with their families and an entire nation, unfold.”

“Football is a passion in peace, let no one ever think of it, attack that reality again.”