Violette AC, 108 years old, what prospects?

Founded on May 15, 1918, Violette AC, the reigning double national champion, celebrates its 108th anniversary this Friday, May 15.

Founded on May 15, 1918, Violette AC, the current two-time national champion, is celebrating its 108th anniversary this Friday, May 15. What are the prospects for the best Haitian club of all time?

This May 15 marks the 108th anniversary of Violette AC, two-time reigning champion of the D1 national championship. They celebrated it quietly, perhaps forced by the current situation in the country.

Violette AC and Haiti’s participation in the World CupDuring Haiti’s very first participation in a World Cup final stage, in 1974, Violette AC was the most represented club in the national team with seven players: Pierre Bayonne, Ernst Jean Joseph, Philippe Vorbe, Guy François, Jean-Hubert Austin, Guy Saint-Vil, and Roger Saint-Vil.

Fifty-two years later, despite the chaotic situation in the country and a national championship of average level, Violette AC still has a representative in the Haiti national team that will compete in the World Cup in the United States from June 11 to July 19, in Group C, against Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco. This is Woodensky Pierre, the only player playing in Haiti, included in the squad selected by Sébastien Migné.Violette AC: the best record in Haitian football

It would not be a mortal sin to admit that Violette AC, nicknamed the ‘Old Tiger,’ holds the most impressive record in Haitian football. The oldest club in the Caribbean has in its trophy cabinet, notably, a CONCACAF club champions title and runners-up, now called the CONCACAF Champions League, won in 1984. To this major title, one should also add a CFU Championship Concacaf, won in 2022 against the team Cibao FC from the Dominican Republic.On the national level, Violette AC, which has just achieved back-to-back wins in the national D1 championship, takes this trophy for the 5th time (1993, 1999, 2021 (opening tournament), 2025, and 2026). Relegated to Division 2, they had taken advantage of that to win the championship title to return to the elite in 2018. Violette AC has two Haiti Cups (1939 and 1951) and four Pradel Cups (1939, 1957, 1968, and 1983).

Violette AC, three years ago, in 2023, had reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League by winning the return match 2-1 against Club Leon from Mexico. A first for a Haitian club against a Mexican team.108 years, and then?

After 108 years of struggle, considered the best Haitian club of all time, Violette AC must fill many gaps in terms of structure and administration. For example, the team still does not have a headquarters, a training ground, or even a small stadium. In addition, apart from a Facebook page that does not seem to be managed by a communication professional, the club does not have a website to disseminate information about its activities.

While it is appropriate to congratulate the valiant leaders who have sacrificed and given their blood and soul to immortalize Violette AC, it is also time for them to change their approach in order to make the club a reference in the Caribbean region.

Happy birthday Violette AC, 108 years!