On Thursday, the Columbian government revealed that the father of Liverpool star Luiz Diaz had been kidnapped by the National Liberation Army — or ELN — which is designated as a terrorist organization in many nations including the United States.
Over the weekend, it was reported that the mother and father of the Liverpool forward were kidnapped by unknown individuals while at a gas station near the border of Columbia and Venezuela. After a pursuit by Columbian special forces and a reward of over $48,000, Diaz’s mother was safely rescued.
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However, the patriarch of the Diaz family, Luiz Manuel, has not yet been found. On Thursday, the peace delegation of the Columbian government revealed that they were “officially aware” of Diaz being abducted “by a unit that belongs to ELN.”
The delegation is reportedly in negotiations with ELN to have the father of the national soccer team star released.
Luiz Diaz missed Liverpool’s win on Sunday following his parent’s kidnapping
“We demand that the ELN releases immediately Mr. Luis Manuel Díaz and we say as of now that they are entirely responsible to secure his life and integrity,” said Otty Patiño, the leader of the peace delegation (via ESPN).
ELN is described as an insurgent group inside Columbia and is believed to have as many as 2,500 members. The US State Department designated the group as a terrorist organization back in 1997 due to their opposition to the Columbia government and strategy to take control of areas of territory known for drug trafficking.
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Díaz is one of the best players for Colombia’s national team and is a top star for EPL side Liverpool after he joined the club last year on a multi-year deal worth $67 million.
The 26-year-old missed the team’s match against Nottingham Forest over the weekend following the news of his parent’s kidnappings. His teammates showed solidarity with Diaz during the game by holding up one of his jerseys after scoring the opening goal in their 3-0 victory on Sunday.