The Colombian football federation has demanded the release of Luis Diaz’s father after his parents were kidnapped – with FIFA sending a message of support to the Liverpool star.
The parents of the 26-year-old Colombian international were abducted after being stopped by gunmen riding motorbikes.
Diaz’s mother Cilenis Marulanda has been rescued by police in the city of Barrancas, according to Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro.
But his father Luis Manuel Diaz remains missing – with a major search operation involving police and the military under way.
A reward worth £40,000 has been offered for information that will help to locate him.
South American football expert Tim Vickery told Sky Sports News the victim could have been transported to neighbouring Venezuela – as Colombia’s police director vowed to use every agent to find him.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino posted on Instagram: “On behalf of FIFA and the global football community, I would like to extend our support and prayers to Luis Diaz, his family and friends in these difficult times.”
Infantino added a picture of Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota holding up a shirt in support of Diaz during the Reds’ home clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Colombia football federation (FCF) has issued a statement calling for Diaz’s father to be released immediately without conditions.
It said: “We ask the captors of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of @LuisFDiaz, to release him now, without conditions.
“Football is peace, Lucho we are with you. Colombia is with you.”
Fans have sent messages of support to Diaz
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said preparing for Sunday’s 3-0 home victory was “the most difficult I’ve ever had in my life” after learning Diaz’s parents had been abducted.
“I don’t want to make the game bigger than it was, but definitely, we tried to help Luis with the fight we put in, because obviously we want to help and we cannot really help,” he said.
“So the only thing we can do is fight for him and that’s what the boys did.”
Klopp said Diaz had “wanted to go home”, but then received the news about his mother “and since then nothing really”.
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Liverpool confirmed it was aware of the situation, adding: “It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity.
“In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”
Thousands of fans have sent messages of support on Diaz’s Instagram page, with many urging him to “stay strong”.
Referring to the lyrics of the club’s anthem, one wrote: “Your parents will be free, You Will Never Walk Alone”.
