D.C. United has pulled the plug on its July 11 exhibition against Ethiopia’s national team at Audi Field, the club announced Tuesday. Organizers reported trouble securing visas for the visiting squad and cited stepped-up precautions tied to an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. The match would have been the third Ethiopia Soccer Legacy fixture hosted at the Buzzard Point stadium.
As reported by WTOP, D.C. United said in a statement that “D.C. United and the Ethiopian Federation place the highest priority on the health, safety, and well-being of the fans, players, staff, and local community.” Fans who bought tickets directly from the club or through Ticketmaster are slated to receive automatic refunds within three to seven business days, according to the outlet.
According to D.C. United, the July friendly was first announced in May as part of the club’s ongoing partnership with the Ethiopia Football Federation and its Ethiopia Soccer Legacy initiative. The series has previously brought Ethiopian teams to Audi Field and has been billed as both a cultural celebration and a development-focused collaboration.
Public Health Concerns And Travel Rules
Africa’s continental public health agency has elevated the Bundibugyo strain Ebola outbreak to a continental emergency and urged stronger cross-border preparedness and support for affected nations, according to Africa CDC. Those regional alerts have prompted some organizers to reconsider travel and large events while health officials work to contain the situation.
U.S. public health officials say the immediate risk to people in the United States remains low. Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued interim guidance and increased arrival screening for travelers coming from affected areas, according to the CDC. The agency says enhanced screening steps and public health assessment protocols are in place as cases are tracked.
What Fans Should Know
WTOP noted that the Audi Field cancellation is among the first sporting events in the United States to be called off as a ripple effect of the current outbreak. D.C. United has said it will share any news on a possible rescheduled match or replacement event through its official platforms and ticketing partners.
The game had been promoted as both a friendly and a cultural celebration designed to connect the club with Washington’s sizable Ethiopian community. Fans with questions about refunds or event status are being directed to check D.C. United’s website and their Ticketmaster accounts for the latest updates.
