Overview:
Haiti’s government has granted 100 million gourdes (about $770,000) to back its national soccer teams. The funds will support the U-17 men’s squad for the 2025 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as well as the senior men’s and women’s teams as they prepare for crucial World Cup and Olympic qualifiers.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — The Haitian government presented a check of 100 million gourdes, equivalent to approximately $770,000, during an official ceremony in Port-au-Prince on Monday, Aug. 25, to Haiti’s soccer federation to support the national teams’ preparations, especially the under-17 men’s team that will represent the country at the 2025 FIFA World Cup this November in Qatar.
The event brought together Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Youth and Sports Minister Niola Lynn Sarah Octavius, Finance Minister Alfred Fils Métellus and Gally Amazan, a member of the Haitian Football Federation’s (FHF) committee.
“You will carry to Qatar the dream of a people who believe in you,” Fils-Aimé told the young players.
“The flag you will bear is not just a symbol; it is the soul of Haiti.”
The U-17 Grenadiers, led by coach Eddy César, qualified in February with three wins out of three games in the final qualifiers’ round. They will face Venezuela, England and Egypt in Group E of the 2025 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for Nov. 3–27. This will be Haiti’s third appearance at the global tournament in this category, after competing in 2007 and 2019, when they were eliminated in the group stage each time.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, holding a ball in his right hand, stands among the Haitian U-17 national team players during the 100 million gourdes check presentation ceremony in Port-au-Prince on Aug. 25, 2025. Photo via the Prime Minister’s office.
The FHF said in a statement on Facebook that the funds will be used not only for U-17 training camps but also to support the senior men’s team engaged in the final phase of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers starting Sept. 5, and the senior women’s team as they enter the preliminary stage of the Concacaf W Championship in November — a qualifier for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, CA and the 2029 Gold Cup.
“This support represents a major lever to aid the preparation of our national teams and meet the logistical demands of high-level competitions,” the FHF said in a statement. The federation added that the investment could encourage more private sector partnerships for Haiti’s soccer program.
“The flag you will bear is not just a symbol; it is the soul of Haiti. Every step you take on the field will be a step for the dignity, unity, and greatness of our Nation.”
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé
Octavius praised the U-17 squad’s discipline and urged them to “redouble their efforts to raise the Haitian flag on the world stage proudly.” But she also acknowledged the difficulties: Haiti’s largest training center has been closed since gangs took over Croix-des-Bouquets, and insecurity has hampered talent scouting and facility upgrades.
The grant follows a $150,000 contribution on Aug. 1 by the betting company Paryaj Lakay, which partnered with the FHF to support the U-17s. “They are our future,” the company said at the time. “There’s no bigger pride than waving our flag for the world to see.”
Many Haitians are holding their breaths, hoping the funds are used properly—unlike past scandals involving the soccer federation
Officials stressed that despite the country’s turmoil, soccer remains a symbol of unity and resilience. “Every step you take on the field will be a step for the dignity, unity, and greatness of our Nation,” Prime Minister Fils-Aimé said.
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