FIFA orders Haiti to remove Battle of Vertières image from World Cup jersey

FIFA told the Haitian Football Federation that the team’s 2026 World Cup kit could not display a graphic commemorating the Battle of Vertières, the 1803 clash in which Haitian forces defeated a French army and secured the nation’s independence. The governing body said the design constituted a “political or military message” and required a change before the tournament.

Haiti’s federation and kit maker Saeta argued the motif was a historical tribute, noting that the battle is celebrated as a foundational moment for the country, comparable to France’s 1789 Revolution. Critics described FIFA’s decision as censorship and highlighted the inconsistency of the organization’s stance on political symbols in sport. The controversy sparked protests in Haiti and commentary worldwide about the role of politics in global football events.