The Democratic Republic of Congo has requested FIFA refund World Cup tickets for fans barred from entering the United States due to Ebola-related travel restrictions. The Leopards return to football's biggest stage after a 52-year absence, but the US embassy in Kinshasa suspended visa services following the Ebola outbreak that has caused over 900 suspected cases and 223 deaths.

DR Congo's federation president Veron Mosengo-Omba told BBC Sport Africa that supporters who purchased expensive tickets should not lose their money because they cannot enter the US. The US has barred entry from non-Americans who've been in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days, affecting fans traveling to watch matches in Houston and Atlanta.

While the team remains unaffected, fans are now expected to redirect travel plans to Mexico for the match against Colombia. FIFA stated it will "look into it" but noted their standard policy transfers tickets rather than refunds, reserving refunds only for exceptional circumstances like match cancellations. The Leopards open Group K play against Portugal on June 17.