Dominican Republic Bars Haitian Soccer Team from Stadiums

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Sports has banned the Haitian national soccer team from playing in any of its sports facilities. The ministry announced the decision Friday, citing disturbances outside the Félix-Sánchez Olympic Stadium before a recent match between the two nations.

The ban follows Haiti's 4-1 victory over the Dominican Republic on Wednesday in a Concacaf Nations League match. Dominican media reported that crowd disturbances occurred before kickoff as a large number of supporters attempted to enter the stadium. Social media videos showed individuals forcing entry and damaging a gate.

Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz stated, "The Ministry of Sports completely prohibits the Haitian soccer team from playing in Dominican sports facilities." He said the measure aims to protect the country's sports infrastructure, particularly the Félix-Sánchez Olympic Stadium, which recently underwent significant renovations. The first phase of renovations cost 950 million Dominican pesos.

The ministry's announcement specifically addresses the use of Dominican sports facilities by the Haitian national team. Details regarding the duration or specific conditions of the ban were not provided. Haitian Football Federation and Concacaf had not publicly responded to the ban as of Saturday.

On the field, Haiti's goals came from Louicius Deedson, Wilson Isidor (two), and Yassin Fortuné.