International Friendlies Shaken
Ebola Concerns Force DR Congo-Chile Friendly Relocation; Portugal Brawl Raises World Cup Ban Fears
A DR Congo international friendly against Chile, originally planned for Marbella in Spain, is reported to have been moved to Orléans, France, after Spanish local authorities objected over health concerns tied to the Ebola outbreak. The match is expected to be played behind closed doors. In a separate Portugal-Chile warm-up, Portugal’s Rafael Leão was sent off after throwing a punch during a mass altercation with Chile defender Iván Román, with both players receiving straight red cards before halftime. Portugal went on to win, with Gonçalo Guedes scoring early in the second half, Bruno Fernandes doubling the lead, and Chile getting a late consolation. The violent conduct has raised questions about whether FIFA could extend the red-card suspension beyond future friendlies and affect Portugal’s World Cup plans. Portugal is still preparing for its World Cup group matches, including an opener against DR Congo, while continuing its pre-tournament friendlies.
Key Points
For the DR Congo vs. Chile friendly, Spanish opposition is described as coming from Marbella’s mayor—citing health reasons tied to the Ebola outbreak—leading to the game being shifted to Orléans, France and played behind closed doors.
The Portugal–Chile brawl that led to red cards is reported to have started after a clash between Chile defender Felipe Foundes and Portugal full-back João Cancelo, after which Cancelo reacted with a high leg; when Iván Román rushed in to restrain Cancelo, Rafael Leão joined in and pushed Román around the neck several times before both were shown straight reds at 45+2.
Portugal’s warm-up also included Cristiano Ronaldo starting the match but being taken off at half-time, with an effort ruled out for offside just before the break.
Portugal’s broader World Cup build-up schedule was outlined: another home friendly vs Nigeria in Leiria (June 10), then trips for matches against Uzbekistan, Colombia, and Congo—opening Group K play vs DR Congo on June 17 in Houston.
One scenario for how FIFA might handle Leão’s ban is contextualized with a prior case: Curaçao striker Jürgen Locadia received a red for violent conduct in a friendly vs Scotland in May, and his ban was limited to one match—meaning he only missed the World Cup opener and still played the final warm-up.
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