WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : WORLD CUP ’94 / DAILY REPORT

Colombia’s ambassador to the United States complained to a Chicago newspaper that it misrepresented the Colombian team by linking its World Cup “heroes” with drug barons.

In the Chicago Tribune earlier this month, columnist Mike Conklin asked why U.S. security officials did not investigate the criminal background of the Colombian team, alleging 70% of the country’s soccer clubs were financed by drug cartels.

Ambassador Gabriel Silva, in a published letter, said he strongly rejected these “careless” statements and “insulting remarks.”

“The vast majority of our players come from poor backgrounds and have reached this plateau after overcoming huge odds,” Silva wrote.