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FIFA has set strict conditions for Haitian football clubs ahead of anticipated elections for the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), signaling a shift in how the sport is governed in the country. Only clubs that have obtained an official license from the Club Licensing Commission will be allowed to participate in the upcoming extraordinary congress, which will mark the start of the electoral process. This move could leave many clubs out of the decision-making process, adding further tension to an already fragile situation.
The licensing requirement has created urgency among clubs. The president of Union Sportive de Rivière (USR), for instance, highlighted how his club swiftly secured their license despite significant security challenges in their region, Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite. He emphasized that if clubs are proactive, they can meet FIFA’s conditions. However, not all clubs have had the same success, raising concerns about exclusion and representation in the upcoming elections.
FIFA’s stance is clear: clubs that fail to comply with licensing standards will not only be barred from the congress but could face further sanctions. The FHF’s new statutes, which are now fully aligned with FIFA’s regulations, underscore the importance of club compliance in ensuring a smooth electoral process and proper governance moving forward.
In the meantime, some clubs are advocating for an extension of the FHF’s normalization committee’s mandate, which was established to restore order to Haitian football. Solidarité 2.0, a coalition of clubs, has expressed support for the extension but with conditions. They are calling for certain members of the committee, such as Monique André, to be replaced, and they are urging FIFA to grant a six-month period to prepare adequately for the elections.
As the clock ticks, the future of Haitian football remains uncertain. The sport has been mired in a prolonged crisis, with governance challenges and a leadership vacuum hindering progress. FIFA’s licensing conditions could reshape the landscape of football in Haiti, but the exclusion of some clubs may complicate efforts to stabilize the sport.
