Football players in Colombia sat down on the field to protest against a decision to play matches during the day to help the government stave off an energy crisis.

The protests each lasted a few minutes and took place in at least eight stadiums hosting top-tier matches over the weekend.

Players say they were not consulted about the change and warn that playing during the tropical daytime heat is dangerous and could lead to dehydration.

President Juan Manuel Santos has called on Colombians to contribute to an energy-saving plan to avoid having to implement rationing as drought-like conditions caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon dry out dams across the South American country.