Kelvin Cruz demands apology from Haitian players following incidents in the Nations League
The Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz, has expressed a firm stance regarding the recent tensions that arose following the 2026-27 Concacaf Nations League match between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The official described the statements made by members of the Haitian team regarding national sovereignty as disrespectful.
Cruz was emphatic in pointing out that it is the players themselves who must offer a public apology to the Dominican people. According to the head of the sports ministry, the field of soccer should not be used as a platform to launch offenses against citizens or the integrity of the country.
Controversial statements by Wilson Isidor and Duckens Nazon
The controversy centers mainly on the statements made by two figures from the Haitian team. Forward Wilson Isidor stated after the match that “Hispaniola is Haiti,” while Duckens Nazon, the all-time top scorer for his national team, reportedly shared messages on social media under the premise that “Hispaniola is ours.”
Those who should apologize to the Dominican people are the players who used a soccer match or sports to express disrespectful opinions about our country, our citizens, and our Dominican sovereignty.
Kelvin Cruz, Minister of Sports
Restrictions in sports facilities
Following the riots recorded at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, the Ministry of Sports has taken decisive measures, including banning the Haitian national team from using local facilities. Kelvin Cruz explained that this decision is a response to the lack of respect shown toward the hospitality provided by the Dominican State.
- The incidents included physical damage to the stadium infrastructure.
- Unruly behavior was reported by a section of the fanbase during the event.
- Authorities have reiterated that the use of stadiums is a privilege subject to respect for the rules and national sovereignty.
Finally, Minister Cruz clarified that any interpretation outside of his official statements is a misrepresentation of the facts. He reiterated that the Dominican State maintains its position that respect for the nation is non-negotiable, stressing that the investment made in the Olympic Stadium must be preserved in the face of acts of vandalism such as the breaking of access doors reported during the day.
