The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has criticised Spanish authorities following the cancellation of a planned international friendly match against Chile, describing the decision as unfair and disconnected from the realities surrounding the team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The friendly match, scheduled to take place in the Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción, was called off after local authorities cited concerns over the Ebola outbreak currently affecting parts of eastern DR Congo. The town’s mayor, Juan Franco, said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure based on health recommendations from regional authorities.
However, officials of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) argued that the national team had complied with all health, sporting and regulatory requirements. They noted that the squad had been training in Belgium and that the majority of players and officials are based in Europe, not in the Ebola-affected regions of the country.
DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre expressed confidence that an alternative arrangement could be found, insisting that the team remains committed to its World Cup preparations despite the setback. Federation officials also said discussions were ongoing with Spanish football authorities to explore possible solutions, including relocating the fixture.
The controversy comes as DR Congo prepares for its first FIFA World Cup appearance in more than five decades. The team is expected to continue its preparations in Spain before moving to Houston, United States, ahead of the tournament.
The incident has sparked debate over the treatment of African nations in international sporting competitions, with critics arguing that public health concerns should be addressed through scientific assessment and established protocols rather than measures that could be perceived as discriminatory. While health authorities continue efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, football officials insist the national team poses no public health risk and has adhered to all international requirements.
DR Congo Condemns Spain’s Cancellation Of Chile Friendly Over Ebola Fears Ahead Of World Cup
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has criticised Spanish authorities following the cancellation of a planned international friendly match against Chile, describing the decision as unfair and disconnected from the realities surrounding the team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The friendly match, scheduled to take place in the Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción, was called off after local authorities cited concerns over the Ebola outbreak currently affecting parts of eastern DR Congo. The town’s mayor, Juan Franco, said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure based on health recommendations from regional authorities.
However, officials of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) argued that the national team had complied with all health, sporting and regulatory requirements. They noted that the squad had been training in Belgium and that the majority of players and officials are based in Europe, not in the Ebola-affected regions of the country.
DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre expressed confidence that an alternative arrangement could be found, insisting that the team remains committed to its World Cup preparations despite the setback. Federation officials also said discussions were ongoing with Spanish football authorities to explore possible solutions, including relocating the fixture.
The controversy comes as DR Congo prepares for its first FIFA World Cup appearance in more than five decades. The team is expected to continue its preparations in Spain before moving to Houston, United States, ahead of the tournament.
The incident has sparked debate over the treatment of African nations in international sporting competitions, with critics arguing that public health concerns should be addressed through scientific assessment and established protocols rather than measures that could be perceived as discriminatory. While health authorities continue efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, football officials insist the national team poses no public health risk and has adhered to all international requirements.
