Dominican Republic sports authorities issued a total ban preventing the Haiti national football team from using any sports facilities in the country, following property damage that overwhelmed security personnel outside an international fixture in Santo Domingo.
Stadium Gate Breach Sparks Government Ban in Santo Domingo
The ban stems from a confrontation on Thursday night outside the Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez, where fans attempted to force their way into a sold-out Concacaf Nations League match between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Video footage shared across social media captured a crowd surging against one of the venue’s entry gates, ultimately causing the physical barrier to collapse under the pressure. The incident at which the official pointed remained captured in several videos that were published on social media. Military personnel stationed at the site attempted to maintain order, but the breach resulted in disruption before the kickoff, which ended in a 4-1 victory for the visiting Haitian squad.
Dominican Republic Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz announced the sanctions on Friday, establishing a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding facility damage and disregard for local regulations. Cruz stated that the state of the stadium infrastructure, which underwent a multimillion-pesos renovation, makes the vandalism unacceptable. The Ministry of Sports asserted that foreign teams and visiting supporters must adhere to domestic rules and public order when utilizing state-funded venues. Ese no es el comportamiento que debe exhibir una fanaticada digna y respetuosa, que cumpla las reglas y las leyes de las instalaciones deportivas de otro país
, announced Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz in statements to the press. What was observed on Thursday at one of the entrance doors of the recently remodeled Félix Sánchez Stadium es inaceptable
.
President Abinader Backs Ministry of Sports Decision
The Ministry of Sports decision received immediate and public backing from Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, who confirmed the administration’s alignment with the sports leadership. The president asserted that the sports minister’s position represents the official stance of the government.
The confrontation drew additional scrutiny following remarks made after the match by Haitian forward Wilson Isidor, who scored two goals during the fixture. Those comments amplified public friction in Santo Domingo, where a large expatriate Haitian community resides alongside the local population on the shared island of La Española.
Haiti Climbs to Second Place in League A
On the pitch, the match carried significant weight within League A of the Concacaf Nations League. With the 4-1 away victory, the Haiti national football team climbed to nine points in the tournament standings, securing second place in their group behind Curaçao. The convincing win highlighted the offensive efficiency of the squad during the opening minutes of play, solidifying their competitive standing in the regional competition even as questions surround where the team will play its future home or neutral fixtures.
Y pido a que se respeten las instalaciones
, pointed out the sports head, while the action provoked indignation on the Dominican side.
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