Spain Bans DR Congo's World Cup Warm-Up Against Chile Over Ebola Fears

A pre-World Cup friendly between the **Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile** has been thrown into chaos after the mayor of the Spanish town due to host it banned the match over fears linked to an Ebola outbreak in the African nation.

The mayor of **La Línea de la Concepción** signed a decree prohibiting the June 9 fixture, describing the move as a "precautionary measure" taken on the recommendation of the Andalusia regional government's health service. The outbreak of the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever was declared in eastern DR Congo in mid-May, prompting authorities across Europe to weigh the risks of hosting the team.

The cancellation compounds disruption that has dogged DR Congo's preparations. The team had already scrapped a planned pre-tournament training camp at home because of the outbreak, relocating instead to Belgium. Losing a marquee tune-up against a strong Chilean side now leaves coaching staff short of competitive minutes at the worst possible moment.

Rather than accept the loss, DR Congo signalled they were willing to stage the match **behind closed doors**, and Chile publicly asked for the fixture to go ahead without spectators. Whether health authorities will sanction even an empty-stadium arrangement remains unresolved, and time is running short.

The episode underscores how off-pitch realities — public health, politics, logistics — can shape a World Cup as much as form or fitness. For DR Congo, one of the tournament's intriguing outsiders, the priority now is simply to arrive match-ready despite a build-up no team would choose.