DR Congo was still hoping to play its World Cup warmup against Chile after the mayor of the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepcion denied authorisation for the match because of health concerns related to the Ebola crisis.

DR Congo's football federation said it was in discussions with the Spanish football federation and relevant international bodies to find solutions.

Government authorities in the southern city of La Linea de la Concepcion announced the decision to not authorise next Tuesday's friendly citing possible health risks linked to the Ebola crisis.

DR Congo was playing a warmup against Denmark in Liege, Belgium, on Wednesday.

FIFA monitoring Ebola situation

An outbreak of a rare type of Ebola virus has plagued DR Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern.

DR Congo had already cancelled a three-day World Cup preparation training camp and a planned farewell to fans in the capital Kinshasa because of the outbreak in the eastern part of the country.

All of the DR Congo players and the team’s French coach, Sebastien Desabre, are based outside of the central African country with most of them playing in France.

Football's governing body FIFA previously issued a statement saying it was aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and was in close communication with DR Congo football officials to ensure the team was made aware of all medical and security guidance.

First World Cup qualification since 1974

DR Congo will play in Group K at the World Cup. It faces Portugal for its opening game in Houston on June 17.

The Leopards then face Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 before playing Uzbekistan in Atlanta for their final group game on June 27.

DR Congo's first World Cup qualification since 1974, when it was called Zaire, sparked scenes of jubilation across the nation.