DR Congo offer behind-closed-doors option as friendly with Chile faces cancellation over Ebola concerns

The Democratic Republic of Congo have proposed playing their upcoming pre-World Cup friendly against Chile behind closed doors after the fixture was cancelled by Spanish authorities over health concerns linked to an Ebola outbreak in the African nation.

Juan Franco, the mayor of La Línea de la Concepción in southern Spain, confirmed on Tuesday that he had signed a decree blocking the June 9 match, citing precautionary measures advised by the regional health authorities in Andalusia.

“I have signed the decree banning the holding of the June 9 match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile,” Franco said, adding that the decision followed recommendations from the health service as a safety measure.

DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre said alternatives remain on the table, including relocating the match or staging it without spectators, as his side continue preparations for their first World Cup appearance since 1974.

“There are other stadiums, there’s the option of playing behind closed doors, there are several possibilities,” Desabre said. “We’re used to adapting, and whatever happens we’ll have no problem adapting.”

The French coach also stressed that the national team’s preparations have not been disrupted despite the outbreak of Ebola, which was declared in eastern DR Congo in mid-May. The squad had earlier cancelled a domestic training camp and relocated its base to Belgium.

“Of course we are following the restrictions related to FIFA regarding medical organisation – the doctors are in contact with FIFA,” Desabre explained. “Honestly, we’re having a perfectly normal training camp.”

The Ebola outbreak has also raised international travel concerns. United States authorities have reportedly required DR Congo’s squad to undergo a 21-day isolation period before entering the country for the World Cup, which begins on June 11 and runs until July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

DR Congo are scheduled to be based in Houston for the tournament, opening their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17. They will then face Colombia in Guadalajara on June 24 before concluding their group stage against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 28.