DR Congo-Chile friendly moved to Malaga amid health concerns

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team will face Chile on 9 June after plans for the international friendly were adjusted, with the match now set to take place in Malaga instead of Marbella.

The fixture, which serves as the Leopards’ second and final preparation match, had initially been scheduled for Marbella.

However, the Congolese delegation arrived in Malaga on 4 June, where the game is now expected to be staged. Reports indicate that the match will most likely be played behind closed doors.

The change follows concerns raised by local authorities in Spain. Days before the scheduled fixture, a mayoral decree blocked the event at its original venue on health grounds, creating uncertainty over whether the match would go ahead as planned.

Spanish officials argued that the measure was necessary as a precaution for public health. Authorities feared the fixture could attract large numbers of spectators, potentially creating risks for the local population.

“I have just signed the decree prohibiting the match scheduled for June 9th at the municipal stadium between the national teams of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile,” Juan Franco stated in an audio recording released by his mayor’s office.

The mayor of La Línea, a municipality in the Andalusia region near Gibraltar with a population of around 65,000 people, said the decision had been taken as a “health precaution.” According to local authorities, the move followed recommendations from the regional government’s health department.

Despite the concerns that prompted the intervention, Congolese officials have sought to reassure all parties involved. They insist that the necessary measures have been implemented to guarantee the safety and well-being of everyone connected to the match.

Officials also pointed to the condition of the delegation following its arrival in Europe. Upon reaching Belgium, arrangements were reportedly put in place to monitor and protect the health of all members of the travelling group.

Congolese representatives maintain that there is no cause for concern regarding any member of the delegation, including those who travelled from Kinshasa.

With the fixture now relocated to Malaga and expected to be played under restricted conditions, DR Congo and Chile are preparing to proceed with the encounter as both teams continue their preparations ahead of future international commitments.