Colombia's El Dorado: Football vs Civil War

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast hosted by Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson. Today we bring you the fascinating story of the El Dorado League in 1940s Colombia. Discover how the government, amid a brutal civil war and the assassination of liberal leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, turned to football to pacify an unsettled population. Learn about the league's extraordinary formation, iconic players like Alfredo Di Stefano and Adolfo Pedernera, and the league's ultimate collapse. Join us for an in-depth look at an astonishing chapter in football history and its lasting impact. 00:00 The Role of Football in Political Control 01:43 The Assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán 03:33 The Aftermath and Civil Unrest 14:12 The Rise of the El Dorado League 22:51 The Impact of Global Events on Colombian Football 29:29 Player Transfers and Union Arguments 30:36 Colombian Football's Golden Era Begins 32:30 The Arrival of International Stars 34:59 Challenges and Discontent Among Players 38:32 The Decline of the El Dorado League 50:00 Political Turmoil and Football's Role 54:54 Legacy and Modern Parallels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.