Spain has cancelled a friendly football match against the Democratic Republic of Congo scheduled for next month due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the African nation. The Spanish Football Federation announced the decision on Monday, citing the health risks posed by the epidemic.
The match, which was to be held in Spain, was called off after consultation with health authorities. The federation said it prioritised the safety of players, staff and fans.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has killed 1,440 people since last August, with 2,148 cases reported. The virus recently spread to neighbouring Uganda, where it killed a five-year-old boy and his grandmother.
The World Health Organization has ruled the outbreak is not an international emergency, a decision criticised by some experts. However, the WHO noted the risk of spread to countries outside the region remains low.
Spain's decision follows similar moves by other nations to limit contact with the DRC amid the outbreak.
