DR Congo hope to press ahead with friendlies despite Ebola cancellation

The mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion made the ‌decision even though the Congolese team has been preparing for ‌the tournament in Belgium and nearly all of its players and ‌staff are based in Europe.

Congo play a friendly match ‌in Lidge on Wednesday against Denmark and had planned a second preparation game in Spain next Monday before heading to the World Cup, ‌co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United ⁠States.

However, on Tuesday, La Linea's ‌mayor, Juan Franco, revoked authorisation for the match.

"The health situation in ​the Democratic Republic of the Congo concerning the Ebola virus, together with the documentation that has been provided ​to us, which does not fully demonstrate that there is no risk whatsoever, makes this the most prudent decision," ⁠a statement released ​by his office said.

The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) stated on Wednesday that the team was in compliance with all health, sporting and regulatory requirements. It added that it was in discussions with the relevant ‌authorities and the Spanish Football Federation to find a solution that would permit the match to proceed.

The mayor's decision took Congo coach Sebastien Desabre by surprise when he was questioned about it at a press conference on Tuesday.

"I'm certain a solution will be found," he said, suggesting the possibility of holding the match at a different stadium in Spain.

"The DR Congo national team respects the decision, which is based ‌on concerns about Ebola. We speak with FIFA every day ​regarding Ebola. Our doctors are constantly in touch with ‌FIFA, and we strictly adhere to the health protocols."

The Congolese team, making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, will be based in Houston. They begin their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17th, before taking on Colombia ⁠in Guadalajara on June ⁠23rd and Uzbekistan in Atlanta ‌on June 27th.