Football (soccer) holds a special place in the heart of Haiti; it represents national pride, unity, and hope. Despite the country’s many challenges, Haitian football has seen its share of remarkable achievements, such as the iconic 1974 World Cup team and the emergence of players like Joe Gaetjens and current stars like Duckens Nazon. Yet, the potential of Haitian football continues to be undermined by corruption, greed, and incompetence within the Fédération Haïtienne de Football (FHF)—the governing body that has repeatedly let down its players and supporters.
- A Legacy of Mismanagement and Corruption
For years, the FHF has been mired in financial scandals, embezzlement issues, and a serious lack of transparency. Funds earmarked for youth development, infrastructure, and player support have often gone missing, lining the pockets of federation officials. In 2019, FIFA suspended then-FHF president Yves Jean-Bart due to allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct involving young female players. Despite his denials, investigations revealed a troubling culture of exploitation in Haiti’s football landscape. Even prior to this scandal, the FHF had a reputation for misappropriating FIFA development funds, leaving training facilities in disarray and players without necessary support. - Neglecting National Teams
Haiti’s national teams, including the men’s team (Les Grenadiers) and the women’s team (Les Grenadières), have suffered from poor management, unpaid wages, and lack of investment. Players have gone on strikes multiple times to protest unpaid bonuses and poor travel conditions. The women’s team, known for its talent in the Caribbean, has encountered significant discrimination and mistreatment, even being forced to sleep on floors during tournaments. While the men’s team has experienced brief moments of success, such as their run in the 2019 Gold Cup, they continue to grapple with inadequate preparation, coaching turnover, and political interference. - Influence from Abroad and Sovereignty Issues
Similar to other areas of governance in Haiti, the FHF has frequently been influenced by external parties rather than being governed by Haitians. FIFA has often intervened by deploying “normalization committees” to manage the FHF, but these groups have frequently been headed by individuals with questionable affiliations. Some Haitian football officials have favored personal gain over the country’s development, taking bribes or favors in exchange for player transfers or federation appointments. - Consequences for the Future of Haitian Football
The rampant corruption within the FHF has robbed countless young Haitian players of opportunities. With youth academies and programs underfunded, many talents either leave the country (with some finding opportunities in France, the U.S., or MLS) or abandon football altogether. Without significant investment, Haiti’s domestic league (Ligue Haïtienne) remains weak, characterized by low wages, subpar facilities, and instances of match-fixing. The potential of the national team is squandered due to ongoing instability.
Conclusion: Is There Hope for Haitian Football?
Haitian football deserves better. The passion of the players and fans is undeniable, yet the betrayal by those in authority has stunted the sport’s growth. For genuine change to occur:
✔ Corrupt officials must be removed and held accountable.
✔ FIFA funds need to be used transparently for development rather than misappropriated.
✔ Players, particularly women, must be treated with the dignity and fairness they deserve.
✔ Grassroots initiatives should be prioritized to cultivate young talent.
Haiti has the potential to become a football powerhouse in the Caribbean, but until the FHF can rid itself of corruption, that dream will remain tantalizingly out of reach. The next generation of Haitian footballers should not have to pay the price for the greed of their leaders.
