DRC proposes closed-door friendly after Spanish mayor cancels Chile match over Ebola concerns
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has offered to play their pre-tournament warm-up against Chile behind closed doors, following a cancellation by local authorities in Spain citing precautionary health measures.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has proposed hosting their pre-World Cup friendly match against Chile behind closed doors, a move aimed at mitigating health concerns following an Ebola outbreak in the country. The offer comes after Juan Franco, the mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion in southern Spain, issued a decree cancelling the scheduled June 9 fixture.
Franco stated that the cancellation was a precautionary measure aligned with recommendations from the Andalusia regional government’s health service. The decision was driven by the Ebola outbreak declared in the eastern DRC in mid-May, which has prompted strict travel and gathering restrictions across various jurisdictions.
DRC head coach Sebastien Desabre confirmed the team’s willingness to adapt to playing without spectators. The 49-year-old Frenchman noted that while the Spain match was cancelled, the squad is exploring alternative stadiums and options for the warm-up. Desabre emphasized that the team has complied with all FIFA medical regulations, with doctors in contact with the governing body to ensure protocols are met.
The national squad is currently based in Belgium after cancelling a planned training camp in their home country due to the outbreak. Desabre described the current training environment as normal, noting that all players arrived from Europe and local staff adhered to travel deadlines. He stated that the team is accustomed to adapting to such situations and faces no day-to-day disruptions.
Upon entering the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the DRC squad will be subject to a 21-day isolation requirement mandated by US authorities. The tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19. The DRC, making their first World Cup appearance since 1974 when they competed as Zaire, are scheduled to play Group K matches against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
It remains unclear whether the behind-closed-doors proposal will be accepted by Chile or FIFA, or if the match will be relocated. The DRC’s first Group K match is set for June 17 against Portugal in Houston, Texas, followed by a trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, for the clash with Colombia on June 24.
