Haiti have been ordered to alter their match kit just four days before their opening World Cup fixture against Scotland, after Fifa ruled that the design on their shirts violated its equipment regulations.

The jersey featured an illustration of the Battle of Vertieres of 1803 — the decisive engagement that secured Haitian independence — alongside the national flag. Haiti wore the shirt during both of their pre-tournament friendly matches.

Fifa's regulation and the manufacturer's response

World football's governing body prohibits any "political, religious, or personal messages or slogans" from appearing on official match kit. The imagery, while historically significant to Haiti, fell foul of that rule.

Colombian kit manufacturer Saeta defended its original concept, stating the design "was a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti's future" and was not intended as a political statement.

"Fifa determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design. While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by Fifa."

Haiti's historic return to the World Cup

Haiti kick off their campaign against Scotland at Boston Stadium in Foxborough at 02:00 BST on Sunday — the country's first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

After facing Scotland, Haiti will take on five-time World Cup winners Brazil and Morocco in Group C.

Haiti's only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, where they lost all three group-stage matches and conceded 14 goals.