APR FC Seeks CAF Postponement Over Security and Ebola Concerns in DRC

Rubavu, 9 August 2026 - APR FC head coach Abderrahim Taleb says the club has asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone or relocate its CAF Champions League preliminary-round match against Les Aigles du Congo, citing security concerns and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Speaking after APR FC’s 2-1 friendly victory over Etincelles FC at Stade Umuganda, Taleb said the club does not want to expose its players and staff to unnecessary health and security risks by travelling to a conflict-affected area.

“We cannot put our players at risk,” Taleb said, pointing to both the ongoing conflict and the reported Ebola outbreak. He added that APR FC is in discussions with CAF and is prepared to play the fixture at a neutral venue if required.

The coach suggested Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire or Rwanda as possible alternative locations, saying APR FC remains ready to compete regardless of where CAF eventually schedules the match.

The concerns come amid an Ebola outbreak in the DRC that has prompted Rwanda to introduce additional measures to limit cross-border transmission. Rwanda has restricted entry for foreigners who have travelled to or transited through the DRC within the previous 30 days.

CAF competition regulations allow matches to be played at alternative venues under certain circumstances, including security-related concerns, either through agreement between the relevant football associations or by a decision of the CAF Competitions Committee.

APR FC is awaiting CAF’s decision while preparing for the Champions League preliminary round. The club recently exited the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup during the group stage.