The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) cancelled its three-day World Cup preparation training camp and planned farewell event in Kinshasa from May 18 to 20 because of an Ebola outbreak [1, 2, 3, 4]. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus and has led to more than 130 deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases [1, 2, 3, 4]. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern [1, 3, 4].
Jerry Kalemo, DRC team spokesman, said, "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" [1]. Team manager Dodo Landu added, "The change is not very big, because we only had three days in Kinshasa. We will just maintain the program in Belgium, the event on May 25 will take place in Brussels instead of Kinshasa" [2]. The planned send-off ceremony with President Felix Tshisekedi on May 18 or 19 was also cancelled [2].
Most DRC players and French coach Sébastien Desabre are based outside the country, mainly in France, and have been training in Europe for several weeks [1, 3, 4]. The team will continue preparations in Belgium and Spain with two warm-up matches scheduled: June 3 against Denmark in Liège, Belgium, and June 9 against Chile in southern Spain [1, 2, 3, 4].
The DRC team plans to arrive in Houston, Texas for the final phase of World Cup preparations on June 10 or 11 [2]. The team will be based in Houston during the tournament, which starts June 11, playing their first World Cup match against Portugal on June 17 [1, 2, 3, 4].
Some team staff based in DRC are leaving the country soon due to the outbreak [1, 3, 4]. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has imposed a 30-day entry ban on foreign nationals who visited DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the last 21 days because of Ebola [1, 2, 3, 4]. An unnamed US official said the DRC team will not be affected by the ban, as they have been training in Europe for weeks [4]. DRC fans returning from affected countries within 21 days will face quarantine protocols [1, 4].
The Texas Department of State Health Services said it is "working closely with the CDC, FIFA, and local health departments to ensure the health and safety of the teams, spectators, and all Texas residents" during the event [2].
Health concerns and travel restrictions prompted the cancellation of the Kinshasa training camp and event, with preparations shifted to Europe [2]. The DRC team will resume its World Cup buildup with warm-up matches in Europe before moving to Houston for final preparations ahead of their opening June 17 match against Portugal [1, 2].
