Dominican Republic bans Haiti from hosting football matches

Haiti’s national football team has been barred from playing in sporting venues in the Dominican Republic after an incident involving supporters before the neighbours’ Concacaf Nations League match. Dominican Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announced the decision, calling the behaviour at the Félix Sánchez Stadium unacceptable and saying the measure was firm.

The ban came after Haitian supporters tried to force their way into the stadium despite all tickets having been sold. Haiti then won the match 4-1, with Wilson Isidor scoring twice. The game was the first meeting between the countries in the Dominican Republic since 2013 and was treated as a high-risk fixture because of the tense relationship between the two nations.

The match itself passed without further trouble under a heavy police presence, and the crowd dispersed peacefully. However, criticism followed comments and celebrations by Haitian players, including Isidor’s disputed gesture after scoring, which was viewed negatively by many Dominicans.

The decision adds a sporting restriction to an already strained bilateral relationship. The Dominican Republic has pursued a strict policy towards Haitian migration, including border controls and deportations. Official figures cited in the reporting say more than 265,000 Haitians were expelled between January and August 2026.