The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) came out this Friday in defense of the members of the national team after the controversy generated after an official act led by President Gustavo Petro, prior to the team's participation in the 2026 World Cup. The entity rejected the criticism and questions directed at the footballers for the attitude they showed during the ceremony of handing over the national flag.

In a statement, the federation expressed its rejection of “any manifestation of aggression, siege 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 floppy hat from the Colombian president before embarking on the trip 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 Captain James Rodríguez and Antonella Petro, youngest 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. Coach Néstor Lorenzo 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.

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 soccer players 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,” the entity noted.

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 be part of Group K, where they will face Uzbekistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Portugal in the initial phase of the tournament.