A Symbol Hijacked
In the run‑up to Colombia’s presidential election, the country’s iconic yellow soccer jersey has turned into a flashpoint of political rivalry.
Backers of Abelardo de la Espriella have been spotted donning the jersey at campaign rallies, turning the garment into a badge of allegiance to his bid.
Iván Cepeda, a leading opponent, has denounced the practice as opportunistic, urging his followers to refrain from wearing the jersey or any other national symbols at his events.
Defiance and Condemnation
De la Espriella’s campaign encourages supporters to wear the shirt as a form of resistance against Cepeda and against President Gustavo Petro’s administration.
The Colombian National Football Federation has expressed regret over the politicisation of the jersey but acknowledges its limited ability to regulate its use in non‑commercial gatherings.
A Cross‑Continental Pattern
The dispute mirrors a broader trend in Brazil, where political factions have similarly co‑opted the national team’s colors to signal ideological affiliation.
Former president Jair Bolsonaro and current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have both been linked to jersey‑related symbolism, while campaigns of other candidates have also leveraged the iconic garment.
Raúl Cardona, a volunteer for Cepeda’s campaign, recently stated that the candidate’s supporters will now adopt the jersey at their own rallies, further escalating the symbolic clash.