A planned international friendly between DR Congo and Chile in Spain has been cancelled after local authorities raised concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo. The mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion signed a decree preventing the match from taking place on 9 June, citing recommendations from regional and municipal health officials as a precautionary measure.
Although DR Congo’s squad is currently training in Belgium and consists largely of players based outside the country, authorities expressed concerns over support staff and fans who have recently travelled from the affected region. The team had already cancelled a planned training camp in Kinshasa due to the outbreak and remains scheduled to play Denmark in a friendly match in Liege.
The Ebola outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has prompted international travel restrictions, including entry bans by the United States for certain travellers from DR Congo and neighbouring countries. Despite the disruption, DR Congo is continuing preparations for its first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974, with group-stage matches scheduled in the United States and Mexico later this month.
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