A World Cup warm-up match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile, scheduled to take place in Spain next week, has been cancelled by Spanish authorities due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the African nation.
Match Cancellation Details
Juan Franco, the mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion, revoked authorisation for the friendly fixture, citing fears surrounding the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The decision came despite the fact that most of the Congolese team's players and staff are based in Europe, not in the affected region.
The mayor's office stated that the cancellation was deemed the most prudent course of action, as the documentation provided did not fully demonstrate that there was no risk whatsoever to public health.
FECOFA Responds
The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) responded by asserting that the team has complied with all health, sporting, and regulatory requirements. The federation confirmed they are in discussions with relevant authorities and the Spanish Football Federation to find a solution, potentially relocating the match to an alternative venue.
Congo's coach, Sebastien Desabre, expressed surprise at the cancellation but remained hopeful for a resolution. He emphasised that the team has strictly adhered to Fifa’s health protocols regarding Ebola, and suggested that the match could be played at another stadium in Spain.
The cancellation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has raised international health concerns despite the limited risk to individuals based outside the affected areas.
