Health officials in southern Spain have cancelled the planned international friendly between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chile, citing public health concerns linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
The match, scheduled for June 9 in La Línea de la Concepción, was called off after local authorities said a health advisory recommended against holding the fixture. Mayor Juan Franco said he signed a decree blocking the game following guidance from municipal health services, which warned of potential health risks associated with the event.
Officials indicated the decision was based on precautionary public health assessments rather than confirmed infection risks among players or staff. The move reflects heightened sensitivity in Europe to infectious disease outbreaks and the application of preventive measures for mass gatherings.
The DR Congo national team, which has been training in Belgium for several weeks ahead of upcoming international competitions, expressed concern over the cancellation. According to reports, none of the 26 players had travelled directly from DR Congo, although some members of the broader delegation may have had recent links to the country.
Reacting to the decision, DR Congo’s Minister of Communication, Patrick Muyaya, described the cancellation as disproportionate, arguing that the team’s preparation environment in Europe reduced any meaningful health risk and warning that such decisions could unintentionally reinforce stigma.
The World Health Organization World Health Organization has repeatedly emphasised that Ebola transmission is preventable with proper screening, surveillance, and infection control measures, and that blanket restrictions are not always necessary when risk is low.
The cancelled fixture had formed part of DR Congo’s preparations for upcoming international tournaments, including World Cup qualifiers, and was expected to serve as an important competitive test ahead of the campaign.
