As the Liga BetPlay Dimayor 2025-1 prepares for its tenth day of matches, the Colombian Ministry of the Interior, led by Armando Benedetti, has made headlines by rejecting the controversial policy of “cierre de fronteras” imposed by several municipalities on visiting fans. The debate was ignited when Pereira's mayor, Mauricio Salazar, banned Once Caldas supporters from entering the Hernán Ramírez Villegas stadium to prevent potential clashes in the much-anticipated Clásico Cafetero against Deportivo Pereira. This decision has sparked a wider conversation about citizens’ rights and public safety measures in Colombia.
In a statement released on March 21, the Ministry expressed deep concerns over the “repressive and discriminatory” nature of such bans, emphasizing that they infringe upon fundamental rights enshrined in the Colombian Constitution. The ministry urged local authorities not to take a restrictive approach, advocating instead for strategies that promote coexistence and respect among fans.
“The agreements for coexistence must aim to consolidate common spaces of respect, allowing us to move towards stadiums where visitors feel welcome and can enjoy a safe environment,” the Ministry articulated in its official response. This call to action was directed not only at local authorities but also at football clubs and fan organizations, promoting a collaborative effort to ensure safety without restricting citizen freedoms.
Viceminister Gabriel Rondón, who oversees the Social Dialogue and Human Rights area, has championed the idea that security strategies should prioritize harmony and the varied expressions of fans, rather than blanket prohibitions. Rondón remarked, “Processes related to coexistence must focus on the respect for difference and the free development of rights, opinions, and beliefs within the national territory.”
This sentiment is especially critical as football fever takes hold across Colombia, with multiple classic matches set to unfold. Scheduled confrontations this weekend include high-stakes games such as Santa Fe vs. Millonarios, Atlético Nacional vs. Independiente Medellín, and Deportivo Cali vs. América de Cali, among others. Each match presents an opportunity not only for sporting rivalry but also for the expression of diverse fan cultures.
The Ministry indicated that the Comisión Nacional de Seguridad, Comodidad y Convivencia en el Fútbol is set to convene on April 1, 2025, to evaluate strategies aimed at achieving a balance between safety and the right of fans to support their teams anywhere in the nation.
Amid the ongoing debate surrounding fan rights, many municipalities are standing firm in their decisions, arguing that these policies are essential for maintaining order and preventing violence. However, the Ministry's position highlights the ongoing struggle to balance public safety with individual rights. Officials assert that such determinations must be justified and cannot simply restrict citizen liberties.
While security concerns are paramount, the call for a culture of peaceful coexistence remains at the forefront as fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches. The Ministry's emphasis on dialogue, collaboration, and shared responsibility resonates within the sporting community. It points to a broader vision for Colombian football—one that fosters acceptance, tolerance, and security for all participants.
The Ministry's statement comes as the Liga BetPlay enters a crucial phase in its regular season, where the spirit of competition should be complemented by a commitment to safe and inclusive environments for fan engagement.
Reflecting on the importance of the upcoming matches, the Ministry urged clubs, local authorities, and fan organizations to work together for the common goal of peaceful enjoyment of football games. “The ultimate goal is the establishment of communal and national scenarios for dialogue, concertation, based on coexistence, shared responsibility, and football in peace,” the Ministry concluded.
As fans gear up for this weekend's matches, the stakes are high not only for team standings but for the larger narrative of what it means to be a football fan in Colombia. While enthusiasm grows, the challenge remains to create a harmonious atmosphere where all individuals, regardless of their loyalties, are afforded the respect and freedom guaranteed by law.
