Concacaf reschedules Caribbean Cup semifinal following restrictions in the Dominican Republic
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) has announced the temporary suspension of the second leg of the Caribbean Cup semifinals, which would have pitted Haiti’s Violette AC against Jamaica’s Portmore United. The measure is in response to the Dominican government’s ratification of a ban on holding sporting events involving Haitian teams on national soil.
The match, originally scheduled for this Tuesday, October 20, at the Cibao FC stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, will have to be relocated. According to the regional soccer governing body, the matchup will take place during the week of October 26, although logistical details regarding the venue, time, and exact day remain under analysis and confirmation.
Decision context
This determination comes after the statements by the Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz, who reaffirmed the official position of the Dominican authorities, backed by President Luis Abinader, to prevent Haitian national teams and clubs from using local sports facilities. This policy intensified following the incidents that occurred on October 1st in the vicinity of the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, during a Concacaf Nations League match.
The ban on playing in Dominican territory has been extended to both national teams and clubs from Haiti, a decision that has already been formally communicated to the corresponding international bodies.
Sports impact on the Caribbean Cup
- Jamaica’s Portmore United arrives with a competitive advantage after overcoming Violette AC with a 3-1 score in the first leg, played on October 13 in Kingston.
- Violette AC, which had used Cibao FC’s stadium as its regular home venue in the tournament, was forced to begin the return of its delegation after being notified of the impossibility of playing just 48 hours before the event.
- This matchup is crucial, as the teams seek to secure their spot in the tournament final, which is decisive for qualification to the prestigious 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
For the moment, the soccer community is awaiting an official statement from Concacaf that clarifies where this series will finally be decided, while Violette AC seeks alternatives to conclude its participation in this semifinal phase under the new conditions imposed by the regional situation.
