After APR FC was drawn against Les Aigles du Congo in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, one of the biggest questions being asked is whether the first leg will actually be played in Kinshasa as scheduled, or whether CAF could decide to move it to a neutral venue.
So far, CAF has not issued any statement indicating that the match will be relocated. However, several factors could be considered before a final decision is made.
Relations Between Kigali and Kinshasa Remain Tense
In recent years, relations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have deteriorated due to security-related disputes in eastern DRC.
The tensions have led to the closure of embassies, the suspension of certain travel arrangements, and protests in Kinshasa targeting Rwandan interests.
Although these are diplomatic issues, they could affect the organization of an international football match involving clubs from the two countries.
Security Concerns for APR FC
Another important factor is the security of APR FC itself.
APR FC is associated with the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), which could lead to the club being treated as a particularly sensitive participant at a time when political relations between the two countries are strained.
There is also a recent example that may be taken into account. On September 9, 2025, following a FIFA World Cup qualifying match between DRC and Senegal at Stade des Martyrs, fan violence broke out after Senegal defeated DRC 3–2, resulting in damage to stadium infrastructure.
While there is no evidence that similar incidents would occur during an APR FC match, that history could be one of the elements CAF considers when assessing the security environment ahead of the game.
Ebola Could Also Influence the Decision
Another issue is the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
Rwanda has implemented strict measures for people arriving from the DRC, and this could affect the travel of players, coaches, and club officials, especially since the first and second legs are scheduled only one week apart.
What Do CAF and FIFA Regulations Say?
CAF competition regulations provide that, in cases involving serious security concerns, public health risks, or other exceptional circumstances, CAF may decide that a match be played at a neutral venue or in another country.
Such a decision is made after an assessment of the existing conditions.
On FIFA’s side, stadium safety regulations require the host country to guarantee the security of players, referees, officials, and supporters.
If serious security concerns arise, the competition organizer has the authority to take special measures to protect the safety and well-being of all participants.
CAF Still Has the Final Say
At the moment, CAF’s official schedule still indicates that Les Aigles du Congo will host APR FC in Kinshasa.
However, considering the diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, the history of crowd violence at Stade des Martyrs, concerns over the security of APR FC as a club linked to the Rwanda Defence Force, and the potential impact of the Ebola outbreak on team travel, it is possible that CAF could conduct a thorough assessment before confirming whether the first leg will be played in Kinshasa or moved to a neutral venue.
For now, no such decision has been announced.
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