DR Congo Federation Seeks FIFA Refunds for Fans as 21-Day Ebola Rules Disrupt World Cup Travel
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · Jun 9
DR Congo Federation Seeks FIFA Refunds for Fans as 21-Day Ebola Rules Disrupt World Cup Travel
3 articles · Updated · DW (English) · Jun 9
Summary
FECOFA has asked FIFA to refund DR Congo supporters who cannot reach the World Cup because Ebola-related entry rules effectively block travel to the United States and other host countries.
91 deaths and 515 confirmed cases in DR Congo have triggered strict measures: the US requires 21 symptom-free days outside affected countries, Canada imposed a 90-day ban, and Mexico tightened screening with quarantine rules.
DR Congo's own tournament buildup has already been reshaped, with its Kinshasa camp moved to Belgium in a sealed training bubble and a friendly against Chile shifted from Spain to closed doors in Orleans.
June 17 is the date of DR Congo's opener against Portugal, leaving the team little time to acclimatize in Houston after delayed travel, though coach Sebastien Desabre said the squad would adapt.
Near-zero is how infectious-disease specialist Isabel Brosius described the risk to players and fans at the tournament, saying Ebola spreads through close contact rather than airborne transmission.