Ebola Concerns Prompt Celta Vigo to Recall Player from Africa Cup Duty
Spanish football club Celta Vigo has expressed concerns over the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, urging midfielder Levy Madinda to withdraw from international duty and return to Spain.
Madinda, 22, has been called up by Gabon for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burkina Faso. However, the La Liga side is pressing for his early return due to fears surrounding the ongoing Ebola epidemic, which continues to affect Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
While Gabon and Burkina Faso have not reported any Ebola cases, Celta Vigo remains cautious, citing the health risks associated with travel in the region. The club is reportedly anxious to avoid any potential exposure to the deadly virus and is lobbying for Madinda’s release from national team duties.
Despite these concerns, Gabon’s coaching staff, led by Portuguese manager Jorge Costa, has rejected the request. The team has no intention of sending the player back to Spain and plans to include him in the squad for the crucial qualifier.
So far, health authorities have confirmed that neither Gabon nor Burkina Faso are within the affected zones, and the match is expected to go ahead as scheduled.
The Ebola outbreak, declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization, has led to heightened precautionary measures across many countries. While the epicentre of the crisis lies several hundred kilometres from where Gabon will play, the presence of international travel routes and the severity of the virus have put clubs on high alert.
Celta Vigo’s concerns reflect broader unease among European clubs over releasing players to regions near the outbreak. FIFA regulations typically require clubs to release players for international duty, but extraordinary public health circumstances can lead to exceptional decisions.
Madinda, who joined Celta Vigo in 2010 and made his first-team debut in 2013, is considered a key player for both club and country. The midfielder’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier could be vital for Gabon’s hopes of advancing in the competition.
No final decision has yet been confirmed regarding Madinda’s status, though it is clear that tensions between club and country are rising as health fears take centre stage.
