Congo is still keen on facing Chile in a World Cup warm-up match, despite the mayor of La Linea de la Concepción in Spain denying permission due to health concerns over the Ebola crisis.
The Congolese Football Federation is actively discussing potential solutions with the Spanish Football Federation and relevant international bodies.
Officials in La Linea de la Concepción have officially stated their reasons for cancelling next Tuesday’s friendly, emphasizing the health risks associated with the Ebola outbreak.
On a related note, Congo is set to play a prep match against Denmark in Liège, Belgium, this Wednesday.
The current situation revolves around an outbreak of a rare Ebola strain affecting both Congo and Uganda, which the World Health Organization has labeled a global health emergency.
Due to the rising concerns in the east, Congo has also called off its planned three-day World Cup training camp and farewell event for fans in Kinshasa.
Most of the Congolese players and their French coach, Sebastien Desabres, are based outside the Central African Republic, with many playing in France.
FIFA has announced that it’s keeping a close eye on the Ebola situation and is in constant communication with Congolese football authorities to share the necessary health and safety guidelines.
Looking ahead, Congo will enter Group K in the World Cup, kicking off against Portugal on June 17 in Houston. Following that, they’ll face Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23, and then Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.
This qualification to the World Cup marks Congo’s first appearance since 1974, back when it was referred to as Zaire, and the news has brought a wave of excitement throughout a nation long troubled by conflict.
