The organization requested to modify the design of the home kit, which pays tribute to the independence of the Caribbean country. The manufacturing brand stated that it has no political intentions
With less than a day until the start of the 2026 World Cup, the Haitian national team has become embroiled in an unexpected controversy off the field. In recent hours, it was revealed that FIFArejected the approval of the home jersey that the Caribbean teamwas set to use in the tournament and requested modifications as it considered that some of its visual elements could be interpreted as a political message.
The situation was confirmed by Saeta, the Colombian company responsible for designing the apparel. In a statement, the brand explained that the project went through the usual review process, although it ultimately received feedback from the governing body of world football. “They determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under their team regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design,” the company stated.
While FIFA did not specify which aspect of the uniform raised objections, various reports indicate that the observation is related to a illustration inspired by the Battle of Vertières, the confrontation in November 1803 in which Haitian forces defeated Napoleon Bonaparte's French army and took a decisive step toward the country's independence.
FIFA requested Saeta to change the design of Haiti's jersey
The company emphasized that the jersey was conceived as a tribute to Haitian history and identity, and that it did not aim to send any political message. "The final design was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to the future of Haiti and was not conceived as a political statement,” they commented.
It should be noted that this is not the first time a representation related to Haitian independence has generated objections in international sports. Recently, during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) requested modifications to a uniform that included the image of Toussaint Louverture, one of the central figures of the Haitian revolution.
The illustration refers to the Battle of Vertières in 1803
The controversy arises at a special moment for the Caribbean team, which will compete in a World Cup for the first time since 1974. The return to the highest stage of football had been accompanied by an aesthetic proposal aimed at highlighting national history and culture, but now it will need modifications.
As discussions continue between the federation, FIFA, and the manufacturing company, it is still unclear whether the home jersey will be used in the World Cup or if it will need to be redesigned before the Caribbean team's debut.
