DR Congo's World Cup preparations have suffered a major setback after a scheduled friendly against Chile was cancelled amid concerns linked to an Ebola outbreak.
The African nation is attempting to finalise plans ahead of its first World Cup appearance in more than 50 years, but off-field issues have now created fresh uncertainty.
The match against Chile was due to take place in the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepcion on June 9.
However, local authorities have now stepped in and called off the fixture following recommendations from health experts.
Officials described the decision as a precautionary measure amid ongoing concerns surrounding an Ebola outbreak in parts of DR Congo.
Mayor Juan Franco confirmed the match would no longer go ahead after receiving advice from health officials.
"A report by the head of the mayoralty's health service of La Linea advised categorically against hosting the match given the health risks which might arise," he said.
The cancellation represents the latest disruption to DR Congo's World Cup build-up.
DR Congo's World Cup preparations have suffered a major setback after a scheduled friendly against Chile was cancelled amid concerns linked to an Ebola outbreak
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Plans for a pre-tournament training camp in Kinshasa had already been abandoned, forcing the squad to alter its preparations.
Instead, the team has been based in Belgium as it attempts to maintain focus ahead of the tournament.
The outbreak has been reported in the eastern part of the country and involves a rare strain of the Ebola virus known as Bundibugyo.
None of the players selected in the squad have recently travelled to the affected areas.
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Every team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWSThe squad itself is largely made up of players based overseas, with many plying their trade in Europe.
Among the most recognisable names are former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, midfielder Noah Sadiki and Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.
Despite the cancellation of the Chile fixture, DR Congo are still expected to face Denmark in a friendly in Liege later this week.
The team has also reportedly been instructed to maintain strict protocols within its camp ahead of travelling to North America.
Complicating matters further, the United States recently announced restrictions affecting non-American travellers who have recently been in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan.
However, the measures are not expected to impact the squad's participation in the tournament.
DR Congo will be hoping to make it out of the World Cup group stages
|REUTERS
DR Congo secured qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, sparking huge celebrations across the country.
The team plans to use Houston as its tournament base before beginning its campaign in Group K.
Their opening match is scheduled to come against Portugal on June 17.
Further group-stage fixtures against Colombia and Uzbekistan will follow as they attempt to progress beyond the first round.