Violette gets short-term players for CCL second leg at Austin FC

Haitian club Violette AC is rapidly and desperately signing American players ahead of its second leg CONCACAF Champions League tie in Austin on Tuesday night. The majority of players regularly representing Violette do not have visas to legally travel to, and play in, the United States. Therefore, the club is calling on players in the United States to fulfill roster requirements.

For example, FC Motown Celtics, a side from New Jersey in the USL League 2, is temporarily letting Samuel Pompée and Maudwindo Germain play for Violette in the second leg of this competition. Pompée previously played for Violette in the 2020/21 campaign, helping the side to a domestic title. Germain is a Haitian international with caps on the U-17 side.

This debacle on who can and cannot play is not uncommon for the CONCACAF club competitions. Last season, another Haitian side, Cavaly SC, could not field a team as its main contingent of players did not have visas. Consequently, it forfeited its round of 16 tie against the New England Revolution.

The difference this time around is that the first leg already happened. Last season, Cavaly forfeited the tie before it began. This year, Violette already played a game against Austin. Moreover, it won that game comfortably. The three-goal cushion makes advancing a real possibility. That is why the club is seeking emergency players that are available to play on short notice.

Violette players seeking stunning upset of Austin in Champions League

Violette could be on the cusp of one of the biggest upsets in North American club play. That is only the case if the club can actually field a squad. If Violette does not have the ability to get the required number of players, it forfeits the match. That is what Cavaly SC did a season ago before its first leg against New England Revolution.

The arrival of Pompee and Germain also has consequences for FC Motown. Motown is playing in the US Open Cup this month in the first round. Their status with FC Motown for the US Open Cup is likely nullified with the appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Tuesday’s game in Austin, should it proceed, kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on FS2.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire