The Democratic Republic of Congo has formally requested that FIFA refund World Cup tickets purchased by Congolese fans who are now unable to enter the United States due to Ebola-related travel restrictions — casting a shadow over one of African football's most anticipated returns.

The Leopards are heading to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire. But a public health emergency declared by the World Health Organisation on 16 May has put supporters' travel plans in serious jeopardy.

The travel ban and its impact

Health officials report more than 900 suspected Ebola cases and 223 suspected deaths across central and East Africa since the outbreak was declared, with the vast majority concentrated in DR Congo. The US embassy in Kinshasa has suspended visa services, and Washington has barred entry to non-Americans who have been in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.

The US has not received a formal WHO recommendation to impose travel restrictions, yet the policy remains in place — leaving thousands of Congolese football fans stranded.

Fecofa president Veron Mosengo-Omba made the situation plain when speaking to BBC Sport Africa.