Rwanda's APR FC seeks venue shift, FECOFA erupts against relocation

APR FC of Rwanda lodged a formal request to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to relocate its first‑round preliminary Ligue des Champions tie against FC Les Aigles du Congo away from the Martyrs Stadium in the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), prompting immediate outrage from the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association (FECOFA).

APR FC's request and justification

The request has sparked strong indignation among Congolese football officials. APR FC justifies the move by invoking alleged security concerns and a purported Ebola epidemic in Kinshasa. Both arguments are described as fallacious.

The Fédération Congolaise de Football Association (FECOFA) says it cannot remain a spectator. It must intervene immediately and firmly with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to dismantle the unfounded claims. The federation frames the issue as a clear attempt to destabilise national football.

Ebola cases are confined to the eastern part of the country. Kinshasa lies more than 1 800 kilometres from the outbreak’s epicentre and records no active cases. Health authorities describe the capital’s situation as perfectly serene.

Security assessments show Kinshasa regularly hosts large international events without incident. The city’s capacity to guarantee safety for major fixtures is well‑documented. Consequently, the security argument lacks substance.

FECOFA's response and broader implications

FECOFA is urged to submit official medical and security certificates, backed by the World Health Organization, to CAF. These documents would conclusively end the debate. The federation’s prompt action is portrayed as essential.

The urgency is heightened by the earlier relocation of the African Nations Championship volleyball tournament from Kinshasa to Tunis, justified by Ebola fears. That episode dealt a blow to the image of Congolese sport. Repeating such a scenario would be detrimental.

Allowing the current pretext to succeed could set a disastrous legal precedent for national football. Other nations might refuse to travel to face the Leopards on home soil, sacrificing the fundamental home‑advantage. The federation warns against such a cascade.

The stakes extend beyond this club clash, as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approach. The Democratic Republic of Congo must host Equatorial Guinea on 23 September. Ensuring all home matches can be played in Kinshasa is therefore critical.

FECOFA is called upon to act decisively, protect the prestige of the capital, and guarantee that the national team can meet its supporters on home ground. A firm response would close the misinformation loop. The federation’s stance will shape the future of Congolese football.