Haiti to host USA Nations League quarter-final in Miami amid gang violence
Concacaf has approved Haiti’s request to move the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final against the United States from Kingston to Miami on 14 November. Haiti have been unable to play home matches in the country since 2021 because of gang violence, and the move could put the team before a much larger community of Haitian supporters.
The United Nations estimates that gangs control 90% of Port-au-Prince, including the national stadium. Haiti’s two recent matches at Kingston’s Sabina Park drew an average of 297 spectators, while a friendly at Miami’s Nu Stadium attracted 26,700; nearly half a million people of Haitian heritage live in South Florida. Concacaf said the arrangement can continue while Haiti’s security situation persists, but each match in an opponent’s territory requires approval and the council can amend or withdraw the measure.
In short
- Haiti will host the US in Miami on 14 November.
- Gang violence has prevented home matches in Haiti since 2021.
- Miami’s large Haitian community could give the team strong support.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Moving the match to Miami gives Haiti a safer, workable venue while gang violence prevents the team from playing at home. It could also bring the players before a much larger Haitian diaspora audience, offering meaningful support and a stronger atmosphere than recent matches in Kingston.
The case against
Playing the first leg in Miami, within the United States’ territory, may weaken the appearance of a neutral quarter-final and give the US a familiar setting, even if Haiti is designated the host. A repeated exception could also create questions about consistent venue rules and how long teams should be able to stage nominal home matches in an opponent’s territory.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Haiti move Nations League home clash with USA to Miami amid gang violence crisis”.