Spanish city cancels Congo World Cup warmup over Ebola concerns

The mayor of the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepcion denied authorization for next Tuesday's World Cup warmup match between Congo and Chile, citing possible health risks linked to the Ebola crisis. Government authorities in the southern city announced the decision after reviewing the situation.

Congo's soccer federation said it was in discussions with the Spanish soccer federation and relevant international bodies to find solutions.

The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern. Congo had already canceled a three-day World Cup preparation training camp and a planned farewell to fans in the capital Kinshasa because of the outbreak in the eastern part of the country.

All of the Congo players and the team's French coach are based outside of the central African country, with most of them playing in France. Soccer's governing body FIFA previously issued a statement saying it was aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and was in close communication with Congo soccer officials to ensure the team was made aware of all medical and security guidance.

schedule Congo will play in Group K at the World Cup.

It faces Portugal for its opening game in Houston on June 17. The team then faces Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 before playing Uzbekistan in Atlanta for their final group game on June 27. Congo's first World Cup qualification since 1974, when it was called Zaire, sparked scenes of jubilation across the nation, which has been battered by decades of conflict.