A World Cup warm-up match for the Democratic Republic of Congo has been cancelled by Spanish authorities due to fears over the Ebola outbreak in the African nation, despite almost all of the team’s players and staff being based in Europe.
Juan Franco, the mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion, revoked authorisation for the friendly against Chile, which was scheduled for next week.
His office released a statement explaining the decision which read: “The health situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding the Ebola virus, together with the documentation that has been provided to us, which does not fully demonstrate that there is no risk whatsoever, means that this is the most prudent decision.”
The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) responded on Wednesday, asserting the team’s compliance with “all health, sporting and regulatory requirements” and confirming discussions with relevant authorities and the Spanish Football Federation to find a solution.
Congo coach Sebastien Desabre expressed surprise when asked about the cancellation at a press conference on Tuesday.
“I’m sure a solution will be found,” he stated, suggesting the possibility of playing the match at a different stadium in Spain.
He added: “The DR Congo national team respects the decision, which is based on fears of Ebola. We speak with Fifa every day about Ebola. Our doctors are constantly in contact with Fifa, and we strictly follow the health protocols.”
The team is due to play a friendly against Denmark in Liège on Wednesday and had planned the Spanish match as a final preparation before heading to the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
This marks the DRC’s first World Cup appearance in 52 years, when they competed as Zaire in 1974.
They are set to be based in Houston and will kick off their Group K campaign against Portugal on 17 June, followed by matches against Colombia in Guadalajara on 23 June and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on 27 June.
The World Cup will get underway on 11 June, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening game, while the final will take place in New Jersey on 19 July.
