Visa issues sideline Haitian players before Champions Cup match
Ten players from Mount Pleasant, including seven Haitians, have been denied US visas ahead of a major CONCACAF Champions Cup match. The team, led by Sporting Director Paul Christie, is facing significant squad gaps and has called up academy players to compete. The situation highlights ongoing challenges caused by US travel restrictions for Caribbean teams. Exemptions for major sporting events exist, but their application to this tournament remains unclear.
Match highlights
- Ten Mount Pleasant players, including seven from Haiti, were denied US visas before their Champions Cup game.
- Paul Christie expressed frustration, stating the club cannot compete at its best due to the visa issues.
- The US introduced a partial travel ban for Haitian nationals in June 2025, with some exemptions for major sporting events.
- It is uncertain if the Champions Cup qualifies for these exemptions, and the team awaits clarification.
- The incident raises concerns for Haiti’s participation in upcoming international competitions, including the 2026 World Cup.
