Pre-World Cup Friendly Between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chile Canceled Due to Ebola Concerns
The pre-World Cup friendly match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chile, set to take place in Spain, has been canceled amid health concerns stemming from an Ebola outbreak in the African nation.
La Linea de la Concepcion Scheduled to Host the Match
La Linea de la Concepcion, located in southern Spain near the Gibraltar border, was chosen as the venue for this friendly match, originally slated for June 9 at the town’s 10,000-capacity stadium.
Health Recommendations Prompt Match Postponement
Mayor Juan Franco of La Linea announced on Tuesday that the match would be postponed as a precautionary measure, in response to guidance from the local health department. Franco disclosed, “I have signed a decree banning matches between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chile,” adding that the health report indicated significant risks to public health, necessitating the decision.
Chilean Team’s Request for Closed-Door Match
Reportedly, the Chilean national side had suggested that the match be held without spectators, a measure aimed at minimizing health risks. However, the recommendation from health officials mandated a complete cancellation of the game.
Impact of Ebola on Congolese Team Preparations
This year’s World Cup marks the first participation for the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1974 when the team competed as Zaire. Unfortunately, their training preparations have been severely disrupted by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in their home country.
World Health Organization Declares Public Health Emergency
In late May, the team had to cancel a scheduled three-day training camp and farewell event for fans in the capital, Kinshasa, due to the escalating Ebola situation in the eastern region. The World Health Organization has classified this incident as a public health emergency of international concern, reporting 906 suspected cases and 223 fatalities attributed to a rare strain of Ebola known as Bundibugyo in the country, which has also spread to Uganda.
Training Camp Shifted to Belgium
As a result of these complications, the Congolese team has relocated its training to Belgium. They are set to compete against Denmark in Liège on Wednesday as they finalize their preparations for the World Cup.
Quarantine Requirements Ahead of World Cup
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House’s World Cup Task Force, emphasized last month that the national team must adhere to a 21-day quarantine to avoid travel restrictions to the United States for the tournament. The U.S. government has advised FIFA, the Congolese national team, and the Congolese authorities to maintain a strict isolation protocol while training in Belgium. “The integrity of the bubble should be maintained for 21 days before arriving in Houston on June 11,” Giuliani noted.
World Cup Schedule for Democratic Republic of the Congo
The World Cup finals are set to commence in North America on June 11, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo scheduled to play their inaugural match against Portugal on June 17 in Houston. Following this, the team will compete against Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico on June 24, and then face Uzbekistan in Atlanta, USA on June 28.
