Haiti Was Denied Fair Treatment During the Haiti vs Scotland World Cup Match
To the President of FIFA, FIFA Refereeing Committee, and the International Football Community:

We, the undersigned supporters of football, citizens of Haiti, members of the Haitian diaspora, and advocates for fair play around the world, respectfully submit this petition to demand an immediate investigation into the officiating of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Haiti and Scotland played on June 13, 2026.

The final score was Haiti 0 – Scotland 1.

However, the result does not tell the full story.

Millions of viewers around the world witnessed a series of controversial decisions that appeared to unfairly disadvantage Haiti. These incidents have generated outrage among fans, journalists, former players, and neutral observers who believe Haiti was denied crucial decisions that could have changed the outcome of the match.

THE FIRST HANDBALL INCIDENT
During the second half, Haitian players appealed for a penalty after the ball appeared to strike the arm of Scotland defender Grant Hanley inside the penalty area.

Despite strong protests from Haitian players, no penalty was awarded and VAR did not intervene. This decision immediately raised concerns among viewers and commentators.

THE SECOND HANDBALL INCIDENT
The most controversial moment came around the 79th minute.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde struck a powerful shot toward goal. Replays appeared to show the ball making contact with Grant Hanley’s arm inside the penalty box. Haitian players surrounded the referee demanding a review.

Again, no penalty was awarded.

Again, VAR remained silent.

This incident has since been widely discussed across international media and social media, with many football supporters describing the decision as a clear penalty that was ignored.

FAILURE OF VAR
VAR was introduced to prevent clear and obvious mistakes.

When two major penalty appeals occur in the same match and neither receives a visible review, serious questions must be asked.

Why was there no on-field review?

Why were fans not given transparency regarding the decision-making process?

Why were the incidents dismissed so quickly?

The football community deserves answers.

THE KENNY McLEAN CHALLENGE
Late in the match, Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean made a dangerous challenge on Haitian player Josue Casimir.

Many observers believed the challenge met the standard for a red card due to the height and nature of the contact.

Yet only a yellow card was shown and VAR once again declined to recommend a review. This decision further increased concerns regarding the consistency of officiating throughout the match.

QUESTIONABLE FOUL CALLS THROUGHOUT THE MATCH
Throughout the game, supporters repeatedly expressed concern about numerous foul decisions that appeared to favor Scotland.

Several situations involving physical challenges against Haitian players resulted in calls against Haiti rather than Scotland. These repeated decisions contributed to a growing perception that Haiti was not receiving equal treatment.

HAITI DESERVES RESPECT
Haiti did not arrive at the World Cup by accident.

The Haitian national team fought through enormous challenges to qualify for football's biggest tournament. Despite losing 1-0, Haiti showed courage, determination, and quality against a highly ranked European opponent. Even international observers acknowledged that Haiti competed strongly and created significant pressure throughout the match.

The players deserved the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.

OUR DEMANDS
We respectfully demand that FIFA:

Open an independent investigation into referee Mustapha Ghorbal and the entire VAR team assigned to the Haiti vs Scotland match.
Release the complete audio recordings between the referee and VAR officials concerning the disputed penalty incidents.
Publish FIFA's official review of both handball situations.
Explain why VAR did not recommend an on-field review.
Review the Kenny McLean challenge and determine whether disciplinary action should have been taken.
Suspend the referee and VAR officials from future World Cup assignments while the investigation is conducted.
Implement greater transparency in VAR decisions during international competitions.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT FAVORITISM
We are not asking FIFA to award Haiti a victory.

We are not asking FIFA to replay the match.

We are asking for accountability.

We are asking for transparency.

We are asking for justice.

Football belongs to every nation—large or small, rich or poor. Every team that reaches the World Cup deserves equal treatment under the Laws of the Game.

When millions of people leave a match believing that one team was denied fair opportunities, FIFA has a responsibility to investigate and restore confidence in the integrity of the competition.

SIGN THE PETITION
If you believe football should be fair,
if you believe VAR should be applied equally,
if you believe every nation deserves respect,

Sign this petition and demand justice for Haiti.

🇭🇹 JUSTICE FOR HAITI
🇭🇹 FAIR PLAY FOR ALL NATIONS
🇭🇹 NO TEAM SHOULD BE ROBBED OF ITS CHANCE