The DR Congo national football team has expressed strong disapproval following the cancellation of its planned friendly against Chile national football team in Spain, amid concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak in the African nation.
The match, scheduled for June 9 in La Línea de la Concepción in southern Spain, was called off after local authorities raised public health concerns. Mayor Juan Franco confirmed he had issued a decree halting the fixture based on advice from municipal health officials, who warned of possible health risks.
The Congolese team has been preparing in Belgium ahead of its World Cup build-up, with reports indicating that the 26-man squad has not travelled directly from DR Congo, although some staff members and supporters may have done so.
Reacting to the cancellation, DR Congo’s Minister of Communication, Patrick Muyaya, described the move as unjust. Speaking at a virtual press briefing organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), he said the decision disrupted the team’s preparations and could be viewed as discriminatory, noting that the squad had already spent around three weeks training in Belgium.
The fixture had been part of DR Congo’s preparations for upcoming international competitions, including the World Cup.
