The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been forced to abandon its domestic training and fan farewell plans after a devastating Ebola outbreak in the region. World Health Organization declared the outbreak and emergency which led DR Congo to cancel the three-day World Cup preparation training camp in the country’s capital, Kinshasa.
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Over 130 people have reportedly died, with nearly 600 suspected cases across the region from a Bundibugyo strain, according to WHO. While the training camp and fan farewells have been cancelled, the national team’s wider schedule remains unaffected.
“There were three stages of preparation: in Kinshasa to say goodbye to the public, Belgium and Spain with two friendly matches … and the third stage from 11 June in Houston. Only one stage was cancelled – the one in Kinshasa,” Team spokesman Jerry Kalemo said per The Guardian.
With the Ebola outbreak, the Congolese football authorities have made plans to move some team staff who are based in the DRC out of the country. The DRC’s players and the team’s French coach, Sebastien Desabre are already based out of the country.
Meanwhile, FIFA has offered its support to the national federation (FECOFA) as they navigate this crisis. The world football governing body also released a statement saying it is aware and monitoring the situation. FIFA also said it is collaborating with FECOFA, various health authorities, including the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to ensure a safe environment for all participants involved in the tournament.
Meanwhile, DR Congo has announced an official squad that will participate in the World Cup, naming West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa, among others in the squad. The Leopards will face Portugal in the opener on June 17 at the Houston Stadium before taking on Uzbekistan and Colombia on June 23 and June 27 respectively.
