Ebola fears force cancellation of DR Congo’s World Cup warm-up match

Ebola concerns have prompted Spanish authorities to cancel DR Congo’s planned World Cup warm-up match against Chile, disrupting the African nation’s preparations for the tournament.

Just when DR Congo thought its World Cup preparations were on track, a fresh obstacle has emerged.

As the New York Post reports, a planned World Cup warm-up match between DR Congo and Chile has been cancelled after officials in a Spanish host city raised concerns over the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the African nation. The friendly was scheduled to take place in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain, but local authorities pulled the plug, citing public health concerns.

The decision comes despite the fact that most of DR Congo’s players and coaching staff are based in Europe and have been training outside the country. Congolese football officials have expressed surprise at the move and are now working with football authorities to find an alternative venue or solution.

The cancellation is the latest disruption linked to the Ebola outbreak. DR Congo had already adjusted parts of its World Cup preparations, including relocating training activities away from home.

For a nation preparing for its first World Cup appearance in more than five decades, the timing could hardly be worse. Still, officials remain hopeful that the team’s build-up can continue with minimal disruption as attention shifts back to football and the challenge ahead on the world’s biggest stage.