Dimayor's assembly approved the relocation of atlético huila to yumbo municipality in valle del cauca, due to the lack of a stadium in neiva. Starting in 2026, the team will be named independiente yumbo. The change sparks sadness and anger among fans and local authorities over the loss of huila identity.
Dimayor's assembly, in its second day, unanimously approved the relocation of atlético huila club to yumbo municipality in valle del cauca department. The decision was made despite initial opposition from clubs such as orsomarso, deportes quindío, and boca juniors de cali. The move is due to force majeure causes, mainly the impossibility of competing in neiva because of the lack of a suitable stadium and necessary conditions, as stated by carmen sánchez, spokesperson for the independiente group.
The change of headquarters will be gradual, prioritizing the professional team ahead of the early start of the 2026 season due to the world cup. The administrative headquarters will remain in neiva for now, while youth categories will move progressively. Starting january 1, 2026, the team will adopt the name independiente yumbo and has received a warm welcome from yumbo municipality and valle del cauca governorate.
The news has triggered reactions of pain and frustration in huila. Juan carlos patarroyo, former club president, regretted the departure but acknowledged the need due to the stadium closure. Jorge andrés géchem, huila's secretary of economic development and tourism, expressed sadness over losing the team and its name, recalling a proposal from garzón's mayor's office to host the club in a new under-construction stadium. Albeiro moreno dimaté, founding partner and loyal fan, described the decision as the most nefarious in the club's history, highlighting the pain from 35 years of struggle and fan support. Jhon bermúdez, sports journalist, called it a low blow to the fanbase and media, diluting a three-decade history.
This relocation marks the end of an era for huila football, leaving open the possibility of an eventual return once infrastructure issues in neiva are resolved.
