Controversy Over Ramón Jesurún’s Registration in the Colombian Football Federation
The ongoing controversy surrounding Ramón Jesurún’s registration in the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has garnered significant attention, particularly following the Attorney General’s Office’s decision to investigate officials from the Ministry of Sports. This inquiry focuses on the legality of Jesurún’s tenure as FCF president, especially regarding the claims that his registration for the term 2026-2030 violates legal limits on consecutive terms.
Background of the Complaint
On July 16, Erika Alejandra Gutiérrez Zapata filed a formal complaint calling for the investigation of three key figures in the Ministry of Sports: Minister Patricia Duque Cruz, Director of Inspection César Mauricio Rodríguez Ayala, and Coordinator Perla Álvarez. The complaint challenges the legitimacy of Resolution 000570, issued on June 22, 2026, which approved the registration of members of the executive committee for the upcoming four-year term.
According to the complaint, Jesurún has already served three full terms: 2014-2018, 2018-2022, and 2022-2026. Gutiérrez highlighted that previous official statements from the Ministry had acknowledged that his current term should end on August 27, 2026.
Legal Justifications for the Complaint
Gutiérrez cited several documents to support her claims, including official letters from the Ministry that categorized Jesurún’s tenures and clarified the legal limits on consecutive terms. These included letters from May 2024 and October 2025 affirming that Jesurún’s tenure would conclude in August 2026. The Ministry had previously emphasized that any elections conducted within the same cycle would count as a full four-year term.
Notably, despite the ministry’s past acknowledgments regarding term limits, Resolution 000570 contradicted this, allowing Jesurún’s name to remain on the list for the next term. The complaint insists that this inconsistency demands further review.
Opposition and Appeals
Juan Carlos Paredes López, legal representative of Cúcuta Deportivo, has also opposed the resolution, presenting an appeal to the Ministry of Sports. His arguments rest on the assertion that Jesurún has surpassed the allowed tenure, thereby invalidating any future registration efforts.
The core of the legal discourse revolves around whether Jesurún’s past positions, including his time in Dimayor—a governing body of Colombian football—should contribute to term limits or remain separate.
Ministry of Sports’ Position
In response to these developments, the Ministry of Sports has stated that it lacks the authority to make binding decisions regarding individual cases before they occur, implying it cannot definitively address whether Jesurún’s registration adheres to the legal framework.
The Path Forward
The fate of Ramón Jesurún as president of the FCF hinges on the upcoming decisions by the new executive committee, which is set to take office on August 28. This committee’s decisions will shape the future of Colombian football governance, particularly in light of the ongoing disputes regarding term limits and eligibility.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the future leadership of the Colombian Football Federation remains a contentious topic, highlighting the broader issues within the governance of sports in the country. The implications of these legal discussions could set important precedents for future elections and administrative conduct in Colombian football.