FIFA has forced Haiti to redesign its World Cup jersey after deeming the original too political for tournament play. The Colombian manufacturer Saeta created the kit featuring the 1803 Haitian War of Independence battle scene, which FIFA rejected during the approval process. Players had already worn the banned design in a warmup match against Peru last week.

Saeta stated the design was meant as tribute to Haitians contributing to the nation's future, not political statement. The company will comply with FIFA's ban despite the jersey selling out online. This marks the second time international sports authorities intervened on Haiti's uniforms, following the IOC's removal of Toussaint Louverture imagery from Winter Olympic gear.

Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean handled the Olympic controversy creatively, painting over the figure while leaving a horse against tropical foliage. Jean noted Haiti likely holds a record for two political symbolism rebukes in months from top sports bodies. Haiti, the world's first independent nation founded by formerly enslaved people, opens World Cup play Saturday against Scotland.

Haiti faces Scotland in Foxborough before matches against Brazil and Morocco. These uniform controversies underscore the tension between celebrating national heritage and adhering to international sports regulations that prohibit political symbolism on competition gear.