THE SIDELINES : Colombia to Play Despite Threat

ROME — Colombia will take part in this year’s World Cup soccer finals in Italy despite a death threat against its coach by an anti-drugs group, World Cup organizers Italia 90 said.

Colombian Soccer Federation President Leon Londono Tamayo met Italia 90 Director General Luca di Montezemolo “to assure him of the presence of Colombia at the World Cup with its best team,” the organizers said today.

The meeting followed a reported threat from an anti-drugs group in Colombia to kill Coach Francisco Maturana unless the federation barred from the national team players from clubs alleged to be linked to drug money.