Haiti have been forced to alter their World Cup jerseys just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA ruled that some design features could be interpreted as political.
The Caribbean nation is set to begin its Group Stage campaign against Scotland on Saturday.
According to The Guardian, sportswear manufacturer Saeta said it had worked closely with FIFA throughout the approval process and had already implemented several changes requested during the review stage.
"Working in close collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation, our objective throughout the process was to create a jersey that celebrated the pride, resilience and spirit of the Haitian people," Saeta said in a statement.
"Several concepts were developed and refined over several months and submitted through FIFA's standard approval process. The final design presented by Saeta was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti's future and was not intended as a political statement."
The company said FIFA raised concerns about certain images included in the design, despite the intention being cultural and historical rather than political.
"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," the statement added.
"While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA."
The jerseys, available in blue, white and red, feature matching red collars and sleeves, with Haiti's national crest positioned centrally on the chest.
FIFA's objection centred on artwork near the lower right side of the shirts.
The imagery depicted silhouettes inspired by the Battle of Vertières and the Haitian Revolution, the struggle that led to Haiti becoming the world's first independent Black republic.
One of the symbols referenced revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who famously removed the white stripe from the French flag in 1803 to create Haiti's national flag.
The event remains a significant part of Haitian history and is commemorated annually on Haitian Flag Day.
Despite the controversy, the original jerseys proved popular, with all versions selling out online.
Haiti had already worn the kits during warm-up matches against New Zealand and Peru.
However, players appeared in modified shirts during FIFA's official World Cup portrait sessions this week, confirming the changes had been implemented before the tournament begins.