DR Congo face Chile behind closed doors due to Ebola outbreak fears
Democratic Republic of Congo will play their final World Cup warm-up match against Chile behind closed doors in Orleans, France, following health concerns over an Ebola outbreak.
The fixture is scheduled to kick off in the French city on Tuesday at 16:00 BST.
Organisers were forced to relocate the game from Cadiz after a local Spanish mayor signed a precautionary decree preventing the event from taking place.
Strict entry requirements for World Cup
Tournament hosts the United States have mandated that all squads and officials must spend 21 symptom-free days outside the central African nation before entering.
It is understood that none of the players representing the Leopards have recently visited their homeland, as they all compete for foreign clubs.
However, logistical concerns were raised because some support staff and travelling supporters have recently journeyed from the affected region.
Historic return to the global stage
The squad are currently finalising their tournament preparations in Marbella following a 10-day training camp in Belgium that featured a goalless draw with Denmark.
This summer marks the first time the national team has qualified for the World Cup since 1974, when they competed as Zaire and suffered group-stage defeats by Scotland, Brazil, and Yugoslavia.
They plan to establish their base camp in Houston before opening their Group K campaign against Portugal on 17 June.
The African side will subsequently travel to Guadalajara in Mexico to face Colombia before returning to Atlanta for a clash with Uzbekistan.
Health warnings and vaccine delays
The current health crisis in the east of the country is being driven by Bundibugyo, a particularly rare species of the Ebola virus.
The World Health Organisation has warned that there is currently no vaccine available for this specific strain.
Medical experts estimate it could take up to nine months before a viable preventative jab is ready for distribution.