The mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion in southern Spain, Juan Franco, has signed a decree banning the June 9 friendly match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile, citing health concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the African nation.

Franco described the decision as a “precautionary measure” following recommendations from the Andalusia regional government’s health service. The head of the municipality’s medical service also advised against hosting the match.

DR Congo, making their first World Cup appearance since 1974 (as Zaire), have been training in Belgium after canceling a planned camp at home due to the Ebola outbreak declared in mid-May. The country’s football federation says the team is complying with all host nation protocols.

U.S. authorities have mandated a 21-day isolation period for the Congolese squad before entering the country. The team will be based in Houston, Texas, for the tournament, playing their first Group K match against Portugal on June 17.

They are then scheduled to face Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 24 before returning to the U.S. to play Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 28.

Source: www.aljazeera.com