DR CONGO FRIENDLY MATCH TO BE PLAYED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

An international football friendly involving DR Congo will be played without spectators present due to concerns over Ebola. Health authorities have imposed the restriction as a precautionary measure. The decision means no members of the public will be permitted to attend the fixture. Officials confirmed the behind-closed-doors arrangement ahead of the match.

The Ebola virus has prompted governing bodies and health authorities to limit public gatherings connected to the fixture. DR Congo has previously experienced outbreaks of the disease, which has shaped the response from those responsible for public health decisions. The measure reflects the protocols in place when infectious disease risk is considered elevated. Restrictions of this kind are applied to reduce potential transmission between large numbers of people in a shared environment.

Playing the match without a crowd removes the risk of mass public exposure at the venue. The decision applies specifically to this fixture and has been confirmed by the relevant authorities. Supporters will not be permitted entry regardless of ticket status. No information has been confirmed regarding any broadcast arrangements or further fixtures affected by the same restrictions.