Details:

Association: Federación Colombiana de Fútbol
Founded: 1924
Joined FIFA: 1936
Confederation: CONMEBOL
Colors: Yellow, Blue, Red
The Game: Fútbol

Description:

Colombia has historically been the strongest of the Andean nations in Latin America, although a pair of World Cup appearances by Ecuador has started to challenge that hegemony. The national federation was founded in 1924 and affiliated to FIFA in 1936. From 1949-1953 Colombian football experienced a serious influx of cash and set up a league outside the control of FIFA and attracted several major stars, most famously Alfredo di Stefano who led the impressive ballet azul of Millonarios. A later golden generation in the 1990s brought a trio of World Cup appearances led by the sublime touch of Carlos Valderrama. Colombian club fooball has been a reasonably consistent contender in continental tournaments, with Atlético Nacional capturing the country's first Copa Libertadores in 1989 and América de Cali reaching the final four times. More recently provincial side Once Caldas won the 2004 edition. Colombia were initially set as the host for the 1986 World Cup but eventually had to pull out for financial reason. In 2001 the country successfully hosted (and won) the Copa América. Millonarios hold top spot in the all-time league heirarchy with 13 titles, although they're going on 20 years now without winning the championship.

Colombian Football Clubs Map:

International Titles

• Copa América (2001)

Colombian Football Links:

• Official Website: colfutbol.org
• Fútbol Con Corazón - A Colombia-based organization that contributes to achieving higher levels of peace and equity in Colombia using the power of soccer and its value-centered methodology.