Spain cancels DR Congo‑Chile friendly over Ebola concerns

A pre-World Cup friendly match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile has been cancelled by local authorities in southern Spain due to public health concerns related to an Ebola outbreak in the African nation. The match was scheduled for June 9 in the town of La Línea de la Concepción.

Mayor Juan Franco said he signed a decree banning the match as a precautionary measure, following recommendations from the regional health service of Andalusia. He stated that a report from the head of the municipality's own health service had advised categorically against hosting the event given the potential health risks. The decision adds a logistical setback to DR Congo's preparations for their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, since they last competed as Zaire in 1974.

The national team's plans have already been significantly altered by the outbreak. The squad cancelled a planned pre-tournament training camp in its home country last month and has been based in Belgium instead. While the players have not recently been in DR Congo, some support staff and traveling fans have. The team is still scheduled to play a friendly against Denmark in Liège, Belgium, this week.