FOXBOROUGH, United States (CMC) – Haiti has been forced to change the design of its World Cup kit three days before their opening match against Scotland.

According to FIFA, the illustration on the shirt, which depicts a war scene, fails to comply with its rules, which prohibit the use of any “political, religious, or personal messages or slogans” on kits.

The design pays tribute to the Battle of Vertieres in 1803, which secured Haiti’s independence. It had also been embedded on the shirts worn in both of their pre-tournament friendlies.

In a statement, Colombian manufacturer Saeta said its original design “was a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti’s future” and “was not intended as a political statement”.

It added: “FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design.

“While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA.”

Haiti begin their first World Cup campaign in 52 years against Scotland at Boston Stadium, Foxborough, on Saturday evening.