Colombia becomes the second country in the world to accept the request of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, to name a stadium after Pele.
Infantino, during Pele’s funeral, asked FIFA-affiliated countries to have a stadium named after the three-time World Cup champion.
The news of naming the stadium was confirmed on Thursday, January 5, by Colombia’s Governor of the department of Meta Juan Guillermo Zuluaga, on his social media.
Also Read: African Nation Kickstarts Process to Rename Stadium After Pele
“From the Colombian plain, we announce to the world that our beautiful stadium in Villavicencio will be called BELLO HORIZONTE "REY PELÉ".
“Future generations should know who this world soccer icon was. We accept the suggestion of FIFA,” his statement read.
Cape Verde was the first nation to announce that it would have a stadium named after Pele.
The Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, José Ulisses Correia e Silva, on Wednesday, January 4, revealed that his government had plans to name the country's "Estádio Nacional" after Pelé.
"As a tribute and recognition of this great figure, who ennobles us all, I express our intention to name our national stadium the "Estádio Pelé", in an initiative which, I believe, will be followed by several countries around the world," his statement read.
Infantino’s suggestion of having stadiums across the world named after Pele received mixed reactions from people.
FIFA led by example deciding to name the pitch at the Home of FIFA "Estádio Pelé – FIFA Zürich".
Also Read: Brazil Honours Pele in a Special Way