Colombian Presidential Candidate Banned from Using National Football Jersey as Political Symbol
A Bogotá judge has ordered hard-right presidential hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella to cease using the national football jersey, a decision stemming from complaints by his leftist rival ahead of the June 21 runoff.
In a significant ruling ahead of Colombia's presidential runoff, a Bogotá judge on Thursday, June 4, 2026, issued an order prohibiting hard-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella from employing the national football jersey as a political emblem. This judicial decision follows strong objections from his leftist opponent, Senator Iván Cepeda, concerning the politicization of the iconic garment.
De la Espriella, a 47-year-old millionaire lawyer often referred to as a 'pro-Trump' frontrunner, had frequently been seen wearing the jersey at public events. His campaign has emphasized a tough stance against Colombia's armed groups. The ruling mandates the 'immediate and definitive cessation' of the jersey's political use, specifying that it cannot be used 'as an identifying symbol of his political party, his campaign, or his personal image in public squares or through any medium.'
The controversy escalated after the closely contested first round of the presidential election, where De la Espriella narrowly secured 43.7 percent of the vote. Cepeda, who had initially been considered the favorite, garnered 40.9 percent. The two candidates are now set to face each other in the runoff election scheduled for June 21.
On Monday, Cepeda publicly accused De la Espriella of 'stealing' and appropriating the jersey, drawing parallels to how former far-right Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro utilized his country's national kit. The left-wing senator's remarks highlighted a growing discomfort within left-leaning political circles regarding the symbolic use of the sports attire.
Conversely, the political right in Colombia has largely embraced the wearing of the jersey as an act of 'patriotism,' adding another layer of division to the hotly contested election. The timing of the dispute coincides with heightened national excitement for the World Cup, which is set to commence on June 11. Colombia's national team is scheduled to play its opening game against Uzbekistan on June 17.
De la Espriella, who has adopted the nickname 'The Tiger,' has also seen his supporters display football jerseys emblazoned with a tiger's head. Furthermore, attendees at his rallies are known to perform the military salute that he has championed, forming part of his distinctive campaign imagery.