On Thursday, the Haitian football team defeated 4-1 the team of Dominican Republic at the Olympic Stadium Félix Sánchez. After the match, the Haitian striker Wilson Isidor published a video in which he said: “The Hispaniola is Haiti. This is Haiti”. The Haitian Football Federation (FHF) defended Isidor, explaining that his gesture was related to his identity and link with Haiti, and should not be interpreted as an offense to another people or nation.
The FHF recognized that the celebration generated different interpretations, but pointed out that it is necessary to consider the context to avoid attributing a different meaning. The controversy arose after the meeting and opened a discussion that transcended the result of the match. The Haitian federation insisted that the rivalry between the teams should be kept within the limits of the sports competition.
The FHF also defended that its players can express their identity and their link with Haiti, as long as they coexist with respect, fair play and fraternity among the protagonists of football. In its statement, the FHF called on avoiding that the episode contributes to deepen divisions and maintained that sport should serve as a space for encounter between players, fans and nations.
The position of the Haitian Football Federation is known after the Dominican Football Federation reported that it presented a complaint to the disciplinary bodies of Concacaf and FIFA for the facts and statements that occurred after the meeting. The case is now under the attention of the corresponding instances, while both federations maintain different positions on how to address the expressions made after the match.
The rivalry between the football teams of Haiti and Dominican Republic has generated a debate that transcends the sports field. Wilson Isidor’s celebration has been interpreted in different ways, and the FHF has defended his right to express his identity and link with Haiti. However, the Dominican Football Federation has presented a complaint to the disciplinary bodies of Concacaf and FIFA, which has generated a conflict between the two federations.
Credits: deultimominuto.com
