- US officials stressed that public health precautions surrounding the tournament would be strictly enforced
- The Democratic Republic of Congo recently confirmed cases of Bundibugyo Ebola
- DR Congo is expected to play friendly matches against Denmark national football team in Liege on June 3
Players and officials of the DR Congo national football team will be required to undergo a strict 21-day isolation period before traveling to the United States for the upcoming FIFA World Cup due to the Ebola outbreak in the country.
Eko Hot Blog report that the announcement was made by Andrew Giuliani, who explained that the Congolese delegation must remain within a secured training bubble in Belgium.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Gov. Alex Otti Says Slashed State Debt by 60%, Completes 414 Roads In Few Years
- Nwoko Rejects APC Delta North Primary Result, Claims Victory Over Okowa
- Lagos Expands Infrastructure at Agbowa Timberville Project in Epe
Failure to comply with the health protocol could lead to restrictions on their entry into the US.
DR Congo, placed in Group K of the tournament, is set to begin its World Cup campaign against Portugal national football team on June 17 in Houston. The team will later face Colombia national football team in Guadalajara, Mexico, before taking on Uzbekistan national football team in Atlanta.
According to Giuliani, US authorities have informed both the Congolese football federation and government officials that maintaining the isolation bubble is mandatory for the team’s travel clearance.
Most members of the DR Congo squad currently live and play outside the country, mainly in Europe. The team includes players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Yoane Wissa, and captain Chancel Mbemba. Head coach Sebastien Desabre is also based abroad.
US officials stressed that public health precautions surrounding the tournament would be strictly enforced to prevent any potential health risks.
The Democratic Republic of Congo recently confirmed cases of Bundibugyo Ebola, a less common strain of the virus. Reports indicate that more than 130 deaths have been linked to nearly 600 suspected infections.
Because of the outbreak, the national team canceled its planned training camp in Kinshasa and moved preparations to Belgium instead.
As part of their World Cup build-up, DR Congo is expected to play friendly matches against Denmark national football team in Liege on June 3 and Chile national football team in Spain on June 9.
FURTHER READING
