Haiti soccer team banned from Dominican sports facilities after stadium incident

Santo Domingo.- Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announced Friday that the Haitian national soccer team has been banned from playing at sports facilities in the Dominican Republic following an incident at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium ahead of Thursday’s Concacaf Nations League match between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Cruz said the decision was prompted by a group of Haitian fans who allegedly breached one of the stadium’s gates while attempting to enter the venue despite efforts by Dominican military personnel to maintain order.

“We do not tolerate indiscipline,” Cruz said, describing the incident as unacceptable, particularly at a stadium that has received a multimillion-peso investment from the Dominican State. He stressed that visitors must respect the rules governing Dominican sports facilities.

The minister confirmed that the measure is total and will prevent the Haitian national team from participating in future games at sports facilities in the Dominican Republic. He also asked the public for understanding and urged fans and teams to respect the country’s regulations and sports infrastructure.

Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, sparking criticism and concern in the Dominican Republic.

President Luis Abinader backed the decision, stating that “the position of the Minister of Sports is that of the Government.”