DR Congo pre-World Cup game cancelled due to Ebola fears

A pre-World Cup friendly soccer match scheduled for June 9 between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile in La Linea de la Concepcion, Spain, has been cancelled. The decision was made by the town's mayor, Juan Franco, citing health concerns related to the Ebola outbreak in the African nation.

Mayor Franco stated that the cancellation was a "precautionary measure," following recommendations from the Andalusia regional government's health service. He noted that the municipality's head of medical service had also advised against hosting the match due to potential health risks. The town of La Linea de la Concepcion has a population of 65,000 and is located near the border with Gibraltar.

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I have signed the decree banning the holding of the June 9 match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile.

The DR Congo team, who qualified for their first World Cup since 1974, had already cancelled a training camp in their home country due to the Ebola outbreak. They have since been based in Belgium for training. The team is scheduled to play another friendly against Denmark in Liege, Belgium, on Wednesday.

Concerns over the Ebola outbreak have also impacted the team's travel plans to the United States for the World Cup. US authorities require the Congo squad to isolate for 21 days before being allowed into the country for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19. The team is slated to be based in Houston during the World Cup.

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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.