Cepeda Supporters Print Support Messages on Colombia Football Jerseys

Supporters of left-wing presidential candidate Iván Cepeda gathered in Bogotá's Teusaquillo neighborhood for a 't-shirt printing' event. They adorned the yellow jerseys of Colombia's national football team with messages and animal figures, aiming to reclaim the garment as a symbol for defending life. This action directly challenges the use of the jersey by the campaign of ultrarightist rival Abelardo de la Espriella.

Paula Cano, a member of the La Chiva Climática collective, explained that the event sought to affirm the jersey as a symbol used by all people to defend life. Laura Ramírez, a Cepeda supporter, stated that football motivates her to defend the campaign of the Historical Pact, Cepeda's party and the current ruling party.

The controversy ignited when Cepeda questioned the use of the national team's jersey for political purposes. This led to a judicial order from a Bogotá judge, instructing De la Espriella and his political movement to refrain from using the jersey in campaign activities and advertising while a legal challenge is reviewed. De la Espriella's campaign has rejected this order, calling for its revocation.

Cepeda, who secured 9.7 million votes (40.98%) in the first round, is set to face De la Espriella, who received 10.3 million votes (43.78%), in the presidential election on June 21. The messages printed on the t-shirts included 'Extractivism will leave, life will stay' and 'Another future is possible with Iván and Aída,' referencing Cepeda's running mate Aída Quilcué, alongside drawings of Colombian wildlife.