Haiti has been forced to change the design of its World Cup jersey after FIFA determined the kit violated regulations on political speech. The change comes just four days before the team's campaign opener against Scotland this Saturday in Boston.
The original jersey, produced by Colombian manufacturer Saeta in collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation, featured a depiction of the final battle of the Haitian War of Independence in 1803 on its front. FIFA determined that these visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and requested modifications to the design.
Saeta stated that the design was intended to celebrate the pride, resilience, and spirit of the Haitian people rather than serve as a political statement. While this interpretation differed from FIFA's, the manufacturer respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by the governing body.