Haiti have been forced to change their kit design just days before their World Cup opener against Scotland after FIFA banned a depiction of a war scene on the shirts. An illustration of the Battle of Vertieres in 1803, which secured Haiti’s independence, with the Haitian flag had been embedded on the shirts worn by the players in two warm-up friendlies in Florida.

Colombian manufacturer Saeta said on Wednesday that they have modified the kit to meet FIFA’s regulations.

New york renames streets after Thierry Henry, Pele

New York has honored two footballing greats by temporarily renaming streets after Thierry Henry and Pele ahead of the World Cup kickoff, according to the City Council. The final of the tournament will be played next month at the MetLife Stadium, rebranded as the New York New Jersey Stadium, just outside the city. Crowds gathered at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in downtown Manhattan to mark the unveiling of “Thierry Henry Way” by officials, according to videos posted to social media on Wednesday. The city has also renamed the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road, in the Queens borough, after Brazilian legend Pele, according to the New York City Council website. The street names will stay in place until November 1.

Denied World Cup entry, Somali referee Artan to officiate UEFA Super Cup

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who is unable to take part in the World Cup after being denied entry to the United States, has been appointed to officiate next month’s UEFA Super Cup between Paris St Germain and Aston Villa.Artan, 34, was named among match officials for the June 11-July 19 World Cup but was forced to miss the tournament after U.S. authorities refused him entry despite having a valid visa. European soccer’s governing body said on Thursday that his appointment for the Super Cup followed discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and formed part of a recently signed cooperation agreement between the two bodies.

‘Chill, Relax’: Infantino defends FIFA over visa issues

“Chill, relax” was Gianni Infantino’s message as the FIFA president sought to defuse concerns over visa issues that have clouded the buildup to the World Cup, saying football’s governing body could not dictate immigration decisions to host nations.

Speaking on the eve of the tournament opener between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, Infantino addressed concerns surrounding Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was barred from entering the US despite having a valid visa.

Ivory Coast supporters banned from World Cup

Ivory Coast home-based fans have been denied visas to the United States, the president of the national supporters’ committee told AFP on Thursday. The Ivory Coast supporters group, said Julien Kouadio Adonis, president of the National Committee of Elephants Supporters (CNSE), which operates under the country’s Ministry of Sport, organises trips for the country’s small number of travelling fans to follow the team abroad.