Online Reporter
Congo are still hoping to play their World Cup warm-up game against Chile after the mayor of the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepcion denied authorization for the match because of health concerns related to the Ebola crisis.
The Congo FA said it was in discussions with the Spanish FA and relevant international bodies to find solutions.
Government authorities in the southern city of La Linea de la Concepcion announced the decision to not authorize next Tuesday’s friendly citing possible health risks linked to the Ebola crisis.
Congo played a warm-up game against Denmark in Liege, Belgium.
An outbreak of a rare type of Ebola virus has plagued Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern.
Congo have already cancelled a three-day World Cup preparation training camp and a planned farewell to fans in the capital Kinshasa because of the outbreak the eastern part of the country.
All of the Congo players and the team’s French coach, Sébastien Desabre, are based outside of the central African country with most of them playing in France.
FIFA previously issued a statement saying it was aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and was in close communication with Congo FA to ensure the team was made aware of all medical and security guidance.
This is Congo’s first World Cup qualification since 1974, when the country was called Zaire, when it sparked scenes of jubilation across the nation, which has been battered by decades of conflict.- skysport.com
