Story perspectives

FIFA Forces Haiti to Redesign Jerseys Over Historical Image

6/12/2026

Summary

FIFA Forces Change

FIFA ordered Haiti to change its jerseys before the June 13 2026 Boston opener.
FIFA said the kits showing the 1803 Battle of Vertières broke rules banning political, religious or personal messages.
Saeta said the design honored Haitian pride, not politics, and new shirts keep same look without the illustration.
Haiti will face Scotland, Brazil and Morocco in Group C, its 1974 appearance having ended with three defeats and 14 goals conceded.

Summary

FIFA Alters Jerseys

FIFA ruled that Haiti’s World Cup shirts must be altered, leaving only a hat and scarf as official merchandise.
The decision follows a second uniform rebuke this year, after the International Olympic Committee forced a redesign of Haiti’s Milan-Cortina ski suits.
Saeta’s original shirts featuring the Battle of Vertières motif sold out within days, prompting unofficial vendors to supply alternative apparel and the company to cite production strain.

Summary

FIFA Under Fire

U.S. authorities denied referee Omar Artan entry and forced Iran's national team to stay in Mexico, leading FIFA president Gianni Infantino to tell reporters to “chill”.
Ticket, accommodation and stadium-beer prices have been called “scandalous,” fueling supporter anger before the tournament.
Security actions have been called problematic for Senegal and Uzbekistan while Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was held for seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare airport after arriving with his squad.

History

Historical Context

On October 16 1968, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised black-gloved fists during the medal ceremony, prompting IOC president Avery Brundage to label the act a domestic political statement, suspend the athletes and threaten to ban the U.S. track team. The IOC’s swift sanction reinforced its rule against political statements at Olympic venues.

1 of 4

FIFA Forces Change

FIFA ordered Haiti to change its jerseys before the June 13 2026 Boston opener.
FIFA said the kits showing the 1803 Battle of Vertières broke rules banning political, religious or personal messages.
Saeta said the design honored Haitian pride, not politics, and new shirts keep same look without the illustration.
Haiti will face Scotland, Brazil and Morocco in Group C, its 1974 appearance having ended with three defeats and 14 goals conceded.

1 / 4