Javier Fernández Franco, known as the 'Cantante del Gol', a Senate candidate for Partido de la U, pledges to work for the return of professional football to the Huila department if elected. In an interview with LA NACIÓN, he criticized the handling of sports under the Petro government and outlined proposals to support Colombian athletes.
Javier Fernández Franco, with 43 years of experience in sports journalism, is running for the Senate motivated by the chronic neglect of sports in Colombia. In an interview with LA NACIÓN, published on February 28, 2026, Fernández argued that the Petro government has worsened the situation by cutting 609 billion pesos from the Ministry of Sports budget in the last year, endangering the country's Olympic process.
The candidate pledged to legislate to enforce Article 52 of the Constitution, which recognizes sports as a fundamental right. His proposals include educational scholarships for athletes, private sector collaboration with tax benefits, access to health and decent housing, and pensions for athletes whose careers last an average of 10 years. 'Sports save lives and are the solution,' Fernández stated, emphasizing that sports promote education, security, and national unity.
Focusing on Huila, Fernández committed to recovering the professional football team, which was moved to Yumbo and left 209 people unemployed in Neiva: 109 direct jobs and 100 indirect ones. The team's name is preserved thanks to Mr. Olave, and the initial plan is to bring it back from category B, possibly in the Neiva stadium or in Garzón. 'We will work to bring Huila back to its stadium,' he declared, confirming ongoing efforts and his attendance at the inauguration if elected.
Fernández, who served as vice president of América de Cali despite not being a fan, recounted how he helped save that institution. He urged Huila residents to support him on March 8 by marking Partido de la U and number 9 on the ballot.
