Congo World Cup entry faces strict isolation rules

Isolation rules are strictly enforced for Congolese players bidding to represent their country at the World Cup due to Ebola fears. After strict travel and health protocols were set because of an Ebola outbreak in the country, it has become unclear whether Congo will be able to host the World Cup. The national team will still need to abide by a 21-day isolation period before they can be allowed to enter the United States for the coming FIFA World Cup.

The Congolese team is in Belgium for training, officials said. They are currently in a “bubble” controlled environment and have been told to stay inside that environment for this time period. A total blockade to the U.S. might be in effect in the event of any violation of this system.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, said the rules are final and that there’s no negotiation. Keeping people healthy, he said, is the number one priority of health security. Authorities have already contacted the team directly as well as the Congolese government on these demands.

Congo is in Group K for the tournament. They will play their first game against Portugal in Houston on June 17. Later they will play Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27. Regardless of these fixtures, compliance with health protocols is the only way to participate in these.

This complicates the situation for the team, given the restricted preparation situation. Players will need to balance training and the control of their movements, whilst remaining competition-ready.

On a sporting angle, it serves as an example of the influence of global health problems on international events. It also worries teams travelling from areas with outbreaks.