Ebola Fears Cast Doubt Over DR Congo–Chile Friendly in Spain

– Spanish authorities are reviewing permission for the June 9 friendly after concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak, prompting FECOFA to seek urgent intervention

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s scheduled international friendly against Chile is now uncertain after local authorities in Spain raised concerns over the Ebola outbreak currently affecting parts of Central Africa.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) confirmed that administrative difficulties have emerged regarding the organization of the match, which is scheduled to take place on June 9 in Spain.

According to FECOFA, authorities in La Línea de la Concepción have questioned whether the fixture should proceed because of health concerns linked to the Ebola crisis.

The development has sparked frustration within the Congolese camp, particularly as the national team is not travelling directly from DR Congo and is expected to assemble outside the country ahead of the match.

FECOFA stressed that all necessary health, sporting and regulatory requirements have been respected and that the Congolese delegation fully complies with international protocols.

“The Congolese delegation remains fully compliant with the international protocols currently in force,” the federation said in its statement.

The federation also revealed that discussions are ongoing with the relevant local authorities, the Spanish Football Federation and international governing bodies in an effort to find a solution that will allow the match to go ahead as planned.

The uncertainty comes at a time when DR Congo are preparing for important international commitments and view the friendly against Chile as a key part of their preparations.

FECOFA called on supporters and stakeholders to remain calm and avoid speculation while negotiations continue behind the scenes. The federation pledged to communicate any further developments as soon as a final decision is reached.

Should the match be cancelled or postponed, it would represent another setback for the Leopards, whose recent efforts to arrange international friendlies have already faced significant logistical challenges.

For now, the future of the Chile clash remains unclear, with Congolese football officials hoping that health concerns can be addressed and that the fixture will not become another casualty of fears surrounding the Ebola outbreak.