Amid growing concerns about Ebola, Congo remained optimistic about proceeding with its World Cup warmup match against Chile. However, the mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion in Spain blocked the event due to health-related fears stemming from the ongoing Ebola crisis.
The Congolese soccer federation is actively engaging with both the Spanish soccer authorities and international organizations to explore viable alternatives for the match.
The decision to cancel the friendly, originally slated for next Tuesday, was announced by officials in La Linea de la Concepcion. They cited potential health risks associated with the Ebola outbreak as the primary reason for their decision.
Meanwhile, Congo proceeded with a scheduled warmup match against Denmark in Liege, Belgium, on Wednesday.
The Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Congo and Uganda involves a rare strain of the virus, prompting the World Health Organization to label it a public health emergency of international concern.
Consequently, Congo had already scrapped plans for a three-day World Cup training camp and a farewell event for fans in Kinshasa due to the situation in the eastern regions of the country.
All of the Congo players and the team’s French coach, Sébastien Desabre, are based outside of the central African country with most of them playing in France.
Soccer’s governing body FIFA previously issued a statement saying it was aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and was in close communication with Congo soccer officials to ensure the team was made aware of all medical and security guidance.
Congo will play in Group K at the World Cup. It faces Portugal for its opening game in Houston on June 17.
The Leopards then face Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 before playing Uzbekistan in Atlanta for their final group game on June 27.
Congo’s first World Cup qualification since 1974, when it was called Zaire, sparked scenes of jubilation across the nation, which has been battered by decades of conflict.
