Haiti vs Aruba: A Victory on the Field, A Storm Behind the Scenes
By The Haitian Pulse Editorial Team
June 7, 2025
As the Haitian National Team secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Aruba in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, fans across the Haitian diaspora celebrated the explosive talent and undeniable resilience of Les Grenadiers. Yet, while the scoreboard in Bridgetown, Barbados, offered hope and pride, a darker narrative continues to unfold off the field—one riddled with administrative negligence, opaque leadership, and a disconnect between the federation and its people.
A Dominant Display of Talent
On the pitch, Haiti delivered an electrifying performance. Coach Sébastien Migné’s lineup demonstrated cohesion, strength, and flair. Star players like Duckens Nazon and Frantzdy Pierrot were relentless in the attacking third, dismantling the Aruban defense with clinical precision.
From the first whistle, it was clear that Haiti came not just to play, but to make a statement. Each goal was a testament to the untapped potential of Haitian football—potential that continues to shine in spite of the institutional obstacles these players face. The victory secures crucial points and builds momentum heading into the next match, but questions remain: Can this team reach its full potential if the system supporting them remains broken?
An Administration in Crisis
Behind this uplifting performance lies a brewing crisis that could jeopardize the future of Haitian football. The Fédération Haïtienne de Football (FHF) has long been criticized for its lack of transparency, poor planning, and internal power struggles. Many in the footballing community—both in Haiti and abroad—are sounding the alarm: without serious reforms, the dreams of a generation could be squandered.
Key concerns include:
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Leadership Void: Since the suspension of former FHF president Yves Jean-Bart by FIFA over abuse allegations, the federation has struggled to establish credible and stable leadership. Temporary committees have failed to earn the trust of the public or provide a clear vision for the future.
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Lack of Investment: The infrastructure supporting Haitian football—from youth academies to training facilities—is in disrepair. Players often face inadequate resources and poor conditions, while administrative funds are mismanaged or unaccounted for.
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Diaspora Disconnect: Haitian talent abroad is vast, yet many athletes and coaches in the diaspora feel neglected or outright ignored by the FHF. This disconnect weakens Haiti’s ability to build a robust, globally competitive national team.
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Player Welfare: Several players have come forward anonymously to voice concerns about delayed payments, lack of medical support, and poor accommodations. These issues undermine morale and expose the federation’s lack of professionalism.
A Call to Action for the Diaspora
As the national team presses forward in its World Cup journey, The Haitian Pulse urges the Haitian diaspora to remain vigilant and engaged. Victories on the field must not distract us from the urgent work needed behind the scenes.
This is a pivotal moment for Haitian football. The talent is there. The passion is unquestionable. But the leadership? That’s where the crisis lies.
We call on:
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Haitian community leaders abroad to push for oversight and transparency in the FHF.
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Former players and coaches to lend their voices to the reform movement.
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Fans and supporters to demand accountability—not just results.
Let us not forget: a strong federation is not a luxury—it is a necessity. And while our boys fight with honor on the field, we must fight with integrity off it.
The Role and Responsibility of The Haitian Pulse
The Haitian Pulse is committed to shedding light on the truth—amplifying the victories of our athletes while also exposing the systemic failures that threaten to undermine them. We stand not as spectators, but as guardians of Haitian excellence. Our role is to inform, inspire, and ignite action within our community, especially in moments where silence would be complicity.
We invite our readers, both in Haiti and around the globe, to share their thoughts and experiences. Have you witnessed the dysfunction of the FHF firsthand? Do you have suggestions for reform or stories that deserve attention?
Leave a comment below and be part of the conversation.
Together, we can ensure that the spirit of Haitian football is not only celebrated—but protected.
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