Colombian Far-Right Candidate Tries to Co-opt National Team Jersey Amid Presidential Election

As Colombia approaches the second round of its presidential election, far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has faced scrutiny for attempting to associate the national football team’s jersey with his campaign, according to multiple media reports. The move has sparked debate over the intersection of sports and politics in the South American country.

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has not commented publicly on the allegations, but local news outlets report that de la Espriella’s team has used imagery of the national team’s iconic red, blue, and yellow jersey in campaign materials. The jersey, officially known as the “Tricolor,” is a symbol of national identity and has been worn by generations of Colombian players, including stars like James Rodríguez and Carlos Bacca.

De la Espriella, a former senator and leader of the right-wing Alianza Verdad coalition, has positioned himself as an anti-corruption figure. His campaign has focused on economic reform and security, but the use of the national team’s emblem has drawn criticism from political analysts and sports fans alike.

Context of the 2026 World Cup and National Identity

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is set to be the first to feature 48 teams. Colombia, which has qualified for five World Cups, is currently in the CONMEBOL qualifying group for the tournament. The national team’s performance in the qualifiers has been a topic of national conversation, with fans hoping for a strong showing in the expanded format.

The use of the Tricolor jersey in political campaigns is not unprecedented in Colombia. In 2018, then-president Juan Manuel Santos faced similar criticism for using football imagery in his re-election bid. However, de la Espriella’s approach has been notable for its direct association with the team’s colors and design.

“The national team represents the unity of the country,” said Laura Rueda, a political analyst at the Universidad de los Andes. “When political figures appropriate its symbols, it risks politicizing a shared cultural identity.”

Responses from Political and Sports Figures

While the FCF has not issued a formal statement, several members of the national team have spoken out. Captain Francisco X. Mena, who has captained the team in recent qualifiers, stated in a press conference: “The jersey is for the players, the fans, and the country. It should not be used for political gain.”

Opposition candidates have also criticized de la Espriella’s tactics. Clara Vásquez, a centrist contender, tweeted: “Using the Tricolor for political purposes is disrespectful to the athletes and the history of Colombian football.” Her campaign has since included ads featuring the national team’s logo, but with a focus on community and youth development.

The FCF’s president, Rodolfo Viera, told El Tiempo that the federation would “monitor all uses of the jersey” but emphasized that “the team’s identity is protected by law.” The FCF’s constitution prohibits the commercial use of the jersey without authorization, though political campaigns are not explicitly addressed in the document.

Historical Precedents and Legal Considerations

Colombian law does not explicitly restrict the use of national team imagery in political campaigns. However, the country’s Copyright Law (Ley 23 de 1993) grants the FCF exclusive rights to the jersey’s design, including its colors and emblem. This has led to legal disputes in the past, such as a 2020 case where a clothing brand was fined for unauthorized use of the Tricolor.

Legal experts suggest that de la Espriella’s team could face challenges if the FCF decides to act. “The jersey is a registered trademark,” said Daniel Hoyos, a constitutional law professor at the Universidad Nacional. “While political speech is protected, the FCF could argue that the use of the jersey is commercial in nature, even if it’s for campaign purposes.”

The situation echoes a 2014 incident in Brazil, where then-president Dilma Rousseff’s campaign was criticized for using the national team’s jersey in ads. Brazilian courts later ruled that the use was permissible under freedom of expression laws, but the case highlighted the complexities of sports imagery in politics.

Public Reaction and Social Media Trends

Social media has been a battleground for the debate. Hashtags like #NoAlPoliticizarLaCamiseta (Don’t Politicize the Jersey) and #TricolorParaTodos (Tricolor for Everyone) have trended in Colombia. A poll by the research firm Datos Colombia found that 62% of respondents viewed the use of the jersey as inappropriate, while 28% supported it as a form of national pride.

Football fans have also expressed their views. On the popular forum ForoFutbol, user @Futbolero1987 wrote: “The jersey is for the pitch, not the campaign trail.” Meanwhile, user @PatriotaColombia countered: “If the team represents the country, why can’t their symbol be used to promote unity?”

The debate has also extended to the national team’s social media. A post from the FCF’s official account reading “The Tricolor