Spain-banned Ebola-risk friendly moved to France

Chile and the Democratic Republic of Congo's national soccer teams will face off in a friendly match in France, after the game was moved from Spain due to public health concerns. The match was originally scheduled to take place in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain, but was prohibited by the local mayor.

Mayor Juan Franco cited "a matter of health prudence" and recommendations from regional and local health services as the basis for his decision. He stated that sufficient health guarantees had not been provided, particularly in light of an Ebola outbreak declared an international health emergency by the World Health Organization on May 15 in northeastern DRC. The outbreak has led to hundreds of confirmed infections and deaths in the country.

Despite the health concerns, the match will proceed in Orleans, France. The Congolese Football Federation confirmed the team's relocation to France for the friendly. The game is scheduled to be played behind closed doors at the La Source stadium, kicking off at 6:00 PM local time (1:00 PM Paraguay time).

This friendly serves as a crucial preparation step for both teams. For DR Congo, it's their final match before heading to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where they are grouped with Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan. Chile, who did not qualify for the World Cup, will use the match to conclude their European tour after a recent loss to Portugal.