In Colombia, a judge has prohibited conservative presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella from wearing the national soccer team’s jersey during his campaign. The ruling, issued by Judge Aura Forero in Bogota, comes as the nation prepares for both the World Cup and a presidential runoff election on June 21.

Political Use of National Symbols

De la Espriella, known for his nationalist rhetoric reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has been using the soccer jersey as a symbol of his political aspirations. He encouraged his supporters to wear the jersey at rallies and on social media, and even suggested they wear it to the polls, sidestepping electoral rules against campaigning on election day.

His critics, including leftist rival Ivan Cepeda, argue that the jersey should remain a symbol for all Colombians, not a political tool. Judge Forero’s ruling stated that de la Espriella’s use of the jersey compromised its neutrality, favoring his candidacy.

Soccer and Politics

In Latin America, soccer jerseys are often used by politicians to connect with the public. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and current President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva have both used the Brazilian jersey in their political branding. Similarly, in Venezuela, the Vinotinto jersey has been used by both government and opposition leaders.

Despite the ban, de la Espriella has vowed to defy the ruling, calling it an infringement on personal freedoms. His supporters plan a ‘flag-day’ event, encouraging the public to wear the jersey in solidarity.

With 10 million votes in the first election round and the World Cup matches against Uzbekistan and Congo approaching, enforcing the ban may prove challenging.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.