FIFA reportedly denied Haiti's first jersey design for World Cup

When Haiti takes the World Cup stage on Saturday, June 13, it won't be in the original jersey it designed for the tournament.

On June 9, Saeta, the team’s official apparel manufacturer, released a statement saying the team had to redo the original design players were slated to wear for the World Cup.

"Working in close collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation, our objective throughout the whole process was to create a jersey that celebrated the pride, resilience and spirit of the Haitian people," Saeta said on Instagram. "During the review process, FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design."

Haiti wore the now banned design during two recent matches and it's not immediately clear which elements of the jersey design FIFA took issue with. However, a Miami Herald report points to an illustration on the right side of the jersey that depicts the Nov. 18, 1803, Bataille de Vertières with the Haitian flag.

According to Law 4 of the International Football Association Board, equipment can't have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Additionally, players are also prohibited from wearing undergarments that show any political, religious, or personal slogans, plus statements, images or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo.

On Tuesday, Haiti's official TikTok account posted a video of defender Jean-Kévin Duverne sporting a redesigned jersey. The photo that FIFA allegedly rejected had been removed from the bottom right side of the jersey.

"Following FIFA’s review and equipment regulations, we have successfully implemented the requested modifications to ensure the team is fully ready for football’s biggest stage," Saeta said. "We stand fully behind the Haitian Football Federation and wish the team nothing but success in this historic World Cup journey."