Key facts
- FIFA rejected Haiti's World Cup jersey design featuring an image from the Haitian War of Independence.
- The jersey was deemed too political by FIFA, mirroring a similar issue with Haiti's Winter Olympic uniforms.
- Sportswear manufacturer Saeta will change the design to comply with FIFA's ruling.
- The original design was intended as a tribute to Haiti's history and people.
- Haiti's players wore the rejected jersey in a recent warmup match.
Haiti has been compelled to alter its World Cup jersey design after FIFA deemed the original imagery too political, echoing a similar situation with the nation's uniforms for the Winter Olympics.
The rejected jersey, produced by Colombian manufacturer Saeta, originally displayed a depiction of the final battle of the Haitian War of Independence in 1803. FIFA's approval process did not pass the design.
Saeta issued a statement indicating compliance with the ban, asserting that the design was intended as a tribute to Haiti's people and future, not as a political statement. The jersey, featuring blue for the sea and red for strength and passion, was worn by players in a recent warmup match against Peru. The original design is currently marked as sold out on Saeta's online shop.
This incident follows a similar ruling by the International Olympic Committee, which required the removal of an image of Haitian founding father Toussaint Louverture from Haiti’s opening ceremony uniforms for the Milan Cortina Winter Games, citing a violation of rules against political symbolism.
Designer Stella Jean commented on the situation, noting that Haiti has faced rebukes from major international sports authorities within a short period. Haiti is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign against Scotland, followed by matches against Brazil and Morocco.