As the Haiti women’s team prepares for their match against the Lionesses at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, they have overcome significant challenges to reach this stage. The team’s goalkeeper, Kerly Theus, sends a message of encouragement to girls in Haiti, urging them to persevere and reminding them that their time will come.
This is the first time the squad has qualified for the World Cup, and their journey has been marked by a sex abuse scandal involving the president of the Haitian football federation, Yves Jean-Bart, and reports of harsh training conditions likened to “hell”.
In 2020, Jean-Bart was banned for life by FIFA following allegations of sexual abuse from members of the women’s team. He has denied these allegations, and the court of arbitration for sport later overturned FIFA’s ban. However, Jean-Bart is now set to appear in court in Haiti after campaigners successfully appealed against the dropping of the criminal case against him.
Haiti’s national women’s football team (pictured at Brisbane Stadium) has delivered a message of determination and unity ahead of the Women’s World Cup 2023 in New Zealand
The allegations against Jean-Bart emerged in 2020, with 34 alleged victims coming forward to accuse him of sexual coercion at the main training center in Croix-des-Bouquets. Fourteen of these victims claimed to have been abused by Jean-Bart.
FIFA conducted an investigation, and Haitian prosecutors also looked into a potential criminal case. Despite FIFA’s ban being overturned, Jean-Bart will now face the allegations in court, providing the opportunity for a fair hearing.
Yves Jean-Bart, nicknamed ‘Dadou’ has been at the centre of allegations of sexual abuse and harassment in Haiti, which he has consistently denied
Despite these challenges, the Haiti women’s team focuses on unity and resilience as they prepare for the World Cup. They choose not to dwell on the past or negativity, emphasizing their determination to succeed.
The training conditions at the Centre Technique National have also been a point of controversy, with players complaining about unclean facilities and inadequate food. Human rights campaigners have fought for justice, leading to the reopening of the criminal investigation against Jean-Bart.
As the team heads into the World Cup, they remain unified and determined, representing Haiti despite the lack of support and resources. They aim to defy expectations and make their mark on the world stage.
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