Government describes decision as unfair after Spanish authorities call off World Cup warm-up match.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has criticised the cancellation of its scheduled international friendly against Chile, which was called off by Spanish authorities over concerns linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
The match was due to take place on June 9 in La Linea de la Concepcion, Spain, but local officials cancelled the fixture following health recommendations citing potential public health risks.
Reacting to the decision, DR Congo’s Minister of Communication, Patrick Muyaya, described the move as unfair and said it had disrupted the national team’s preparations for upcoming international competitions, including the World Cup qualifiers.
Muyaya noted that the Congolese squad has been training in Belgium for about three weeks and that none of the 26 players travelled directly from DR Congo to the training camp, arguing that the cancellation could be viewed as discriminatory.
The cancelled fixture formed part of the Leopards’ preparations ahead of crucial international assignments later this year.