Players of Colombia show dejection after their defeat through the penalty shootout after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia at BC Place Vancouver on July 07, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo: AFP)

Former Colombia striker Radamel Falcao has called for an overhaul of the country's domestic football structure following Tuesday's World Cup elimination by Switzerland on penalties.

Falcao issued a scathing appraisal of Colombian football in the aftermath of the defeat in his role as a television pundit. He later sought to clarify the remarks in a post on social media.

"After seeing that some media outlets have twisted my words in their headlines, I want to emphasize that my comments were not directed at the Colombia national team," wrote the country's all-time leading scorer.

According to Falcao, his message was aimed at promoting a broader debate about how to strengthen the game starting at the grassroots level.

In his earlier criticism, the 40-year-old called for more investment in youth development and changes to a league system that he said discouraged progress.

"We have to work on our football, our clubs and our national team," he said. "We have to pay much more attention because there have been too many disappointments. Our youth development has to improve. We need greater focus, more attention and better infrastructure for our youth teams."

He added: "The structure of Colombian football also needs to improve. We cannot continue without a third division. It's a disgrace that our football lacks competitiveness and encourages mediocrity and laziness."

The former Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea star claimed that some clubs were choosing not to invest because they know they won't be relegated.

"They have first-division budgets but pay their players next to nothing," he said. "All that does is breed mediocrity within an institution. Our football deserves better."

Despite the comments, Falcao praised the work of head coach Nestor Lorenzo, pointing out the team was only a penalty shootout away from reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for a second time.

"It's a shame because of the chances we had and failed to take," he said. "At this stage of a competition like this, the opposition has the quality to punish you."

Falcao said he hoped Lorenzo would continue in the role for Colombia's next World Cup qualifying cycle.

"This group under Nestor Lorenzo has shown it is capable of competing at a World Cup, giving us hope and earning the respect of its opponents," he said. "Perhaps the right thing to do is to continue with what they have been building."