More than 100,000 signatures seek FIFA probe into Haiti’s World Cup loss to Scotland
Haitians have launched several petitions demanding an investigation into Saturday’s loss to Scotland in their country’s FIFA World Cup opener.
One change.org petition launched from Paris had amassed more than 104,000 signatures by Monday, demanding “an in-depth review” of the refereeing decisions during the match. Another petition on the platform launched from Florida had attracted more than 15,700 verified signatures.
Haiti lost 1-0 to Scotland, but petition organizers contend that “several arbitrary” decisions during the match were questionable and warrant an investigation into the referee, Algerian Mustapha Ghorbal.
The petition launched by L’Union Fait la Force from Florida cited “two clear penalty shouts” that it said were ignored, including a handball and a reckless tackle in the penalty area.
“A dangerous high boot that should have been a straight red card — only a yellow was given;” the petition states. “VAR remained silent despite clear errors.”
In addition to requesting a formal investigation of the officiating crew, signatories want them suspended from further during the tournament and to publicly matches in this World Cup and to issue a public acknowledge that “Haiti was wronged.”
“Haiti will not stay silent. The world saw what happened,” the L’Union Fait la Force petition says. “Now FIFA must do what’s right.”
There are at least nine petitions, some with a few dozen signatories and one that is quickly gaining traction with more than 100,000 signatures and launched by James Fleurissaint from Paris. He is described on social media as a Haitian comedian and writer.
Addressed to FIFA, the arbitration commission and all the bodies responsible for guaranteeing the integrity of world football, it argues that several decisions affected the outcome and fair play. More than 81,000 people have signed.
“Football is more than just a sport. It is a universal language, a symbol of equality, where every nation, regardless of its size or economic power, has the chance to prove its value on the ground,” the petition states in French. “However, during the match in question, several arbitrary decisions raised questions. Decisions that, in our opinion, deeply influenced the course of the game and the end result. These events have not only frustrated Haitian players but also all those who believe in honest and respectful play.”
While fans were disappointed in Haiti’s loss, some have noted the improbability of the country’s return to soccer’s biggest stage after 52 year and that players managed to hold their own against a higher ranked team. Still after the match controversy arose after some fans thought Haiti’s men soccer team, Les Grenadiers, were shortchanged.
Still, a number of fans have commented that unlike with other teams, the Haitian players did not complain enough on the handball of the Scottish defender by rushing to the referee and demanding for an intervention.
READ MORE: How a 1974 photograph of a boy with a soccer ball shaped Haiti’s World Cup story
Fleurissant says the demand is being launched on behalf of “supporters of Haiti, football lovers and defenders of fair play.” “It is essential that FIFA, in collaboration with the Arbitration Commission, implements a process of reviewing matches where serious challenges are raised. Such a mechanism would ensure that potential errors are identified and corrected, thus protecting the integrity of the sport,” the petition says. “A gesture of transparency on the part of football governing bodies would strengthen public confidence and honor the spirit of the game. “We therefore ask FIFA to review the arbitration of this crucial match and to take appropriate measures to prevent such situations from recurring in the future. The voice of the supporters must be heard, because it embodies the hopes and passions of millions of people,” it says, inviting all who share the concern to sign on.
Haiti’s next game is against Brazil on Friday in Philadelphia and then Les Grenadiers face Morocco in Atlanta on June 24
This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 9:32 AM with the headline "More than 100,000 signatures seek FIFA probe into Haiti’s World Cup loss to Scotland."
