The mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion, Juan Franco, has banned a pre-World Cup friendly match scheduled for June 9 between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile. The decision to deny authorization for the match was based on health concerns and risks linked to an Ebola outbreak in the African nation, which the World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern.
Despite the prohibition, Congo's soccer federation is hoping to proceed with the match and is in discussions with the Spanish soccer federation and other international bodies to find a solution. The team, led by French coach Sébastien Desabre, is currently based in Belgium and recently played a warmup match against Denmark in Liege. Most of the players are based outside of the central African country, with the majority playing in France.
The Ebola outbreak, which has plagued Congo and Uganda, previously led the team to cancel a three-day preparation training camp and a planned farewell to fans in the capital, Kinshasa. FIFA has stated it is monitoring the situation and remains in close communication with Congo soccer officials to ensure the team is made aware of all medical and security guidance.
Congo will compete in Group K of the World Cup, marking their first qualification since 1974, when the nation was called Zaire. Their schedule includes an opening game against Portugal in Houston on June 17, followed by a match against Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23, and a final group game against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.