DR Congo friendly against Chile cancelled over Ebola concerns

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s international friendly match against Chile scheduled for next week in Spain has been cancelled after local authorities cited health concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak in the Central African nation.

The match, which was due to be played on June 9 in the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepcion, was called off after Mayor Juan Franco signed a decree preventing the fixture from taking place.

BBC reports that authorities said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure following recommendations from regional and municipal health officials.

“A report by the head of the mayoralty’s health service of La Linea advised categorically against hosting the match given the health risks which might arise,” Mr Franco said.

The coastal city, located in Spain’s Cadiz Province near the border with Gibraltar, had been preparing to host the encounter as both teams stepped up preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The cancellation comes amid an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has already disrupted the country’s World Cup preparations.

The Congolese national team had initially planned to hold a pre-tournament training camp in Kinshasa, but relocated its preparations to Belgium because of the outbreak.

Reports indicate that none of the players in the squad, all of whom are based at clubs outside DR Congo, have recently travelled to the country.

However, some support staff and supporters are understood to have arrived from the affected nation.

Despite the cancellation, DR Congo are still expected to face Denmark in an international friendly in Liege on Wednesday.

The outbreak has also prompted international travel restrictions.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has barred entry to non-U.S. citizens who have visited DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.

Health authorities say the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine.

The World Health Organization has indicated that developing a vaccine could take several months.

DR Congo, who have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, are scheduled to base themselves in Houston during the tournament.

The Leopards will begin their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17 before travelling to Guadalajara to face Colombia.

They will conclude their group-stage fixtures against Uzbekistan in Atlanta.

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