World Cup nation's kit banned by FIFA days before first game

A World Cup nation have been forced to change their kit just days before their campaign gets underway.

On Thursday (June 11), the 23rd edition of the World Cup commences, with co-hosts Mexico set to take on South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Just hours later, South Korea take on Czechia in Guadalajara before Mexico's fellow tournament hosts, Canada, face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday (June 12).

In the early hours of Saturday (June 13), the USA – also co-hosts – open their campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles before Qatar play Switzerland and five-time winners Brazil take on Morocco later that day.

Scotland kick off their campaign against minnows Haiti at 2am (BST) on Sunday (June 14), with Steve Clarke's men tasked with dealing with soaring temperatures in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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However, their opponents have been handed a huge dilemma just days before the clash.

FIFA have deemed elements of Haiti's kit to be political, meaning the CONCACAF side must change their jerseys.

The issue relates to an illustration of the Battle of Vertières, which took place in 1803 and led to the nation's independence.

FIFA regulations state that any "political, religious, or personal messages or slogans" are prohibited from being depicted on equipment such as kits.

Statement issued on banned Haiti kit

South American kit manufacturer Saeta subsequently released a statement confirming that it had worked with FIFA to modify the kit following a review process.

"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 a number of 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.

"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. While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA.

"We remain proud to have contributed, alongside the Haitian Football Federation, to this historic moment for Haitian football and wish the team every success at the FIFA World Cup."

Haiti had worn the now-banned shirt during their pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Peru.

The Haitian Winter Olympic team found themselves in a similar situation during the Milan-Cortina Games earlier this year, with ski suits also being redesigned after depicting a revolutionary figure that was deemed to breach International Olympic Committee rules.