LIEGE, Belgium, June 3 – Officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national soccer team are working to salvage a crucial World Cup preparation match after Spanish authorities blocked the game over concerns about the African nation’s Ebola situation.
The cancellation came from the mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion, despite the fact that Congo’s squad has been training in Belgium and nearly all team members and staff live in Europe.
The team is scheduled to face Denmark in a friendly match Wednesday in Liège, and had arranged for a second tune-up game in Spain this coming Monday before departing for the World Cup, which will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
However, La Línea’s mayor, Juan Franco, withdrew permission for the match on Tuesday.
“The health situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding the Ebola virus, together with the documentation that has been provided to us, which does not fully demonstrate that there is no risk whatsoever, means that this is the most prudent decision,” a statement released by his office said.
The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) responded Wednesday by stating the squad had met all necessary health, athletic and regulatory standards. Officials said they were working with appropriate authorities and Spain’s Football Federation to identify an alternative that would permit the match to proceed.
Congo’s coach Sebastien Desabre appeared caught off guard by the mayor’s action when reporters questioned him about it during Tuesday’s press conference.
“I’m sure a solution will be found,” he said, suggesting the possibility of playing the match at a different stadium in Spain.
“The DR Congo national team respects the decision, which is based on fears of Ebola. We speak with FIFA every day about Ebola. Our doctors are constantly in contact with FIFA, and we strictly follow the health protocols.”
Congo’s national team, making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, will establish their base in Houston. Their Group K schedule begins with Portugal on June 17, followed by Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.
