Everton : China Tour Off (non-sweden news)
Everton・s proposed post-season tour of China has been cancelled due to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in South East Asia.
Officials at Goodison have been monitoring the situation for the past 14 days and not prepared to take any risks with the health of their players, officials and supporters.
Both the Foreign Office and World Health Organisation have issued warnings to tourists and businesses urging them not to travel unless absolute necessary.
The region・s most affected are Hong Kong, which was set to be Everton・s base during their week-long stay and the Guangdong province - home to Shenzhen, where the Blues were due to play two games.
：Sadly, we have to announce that the club's proposed trip to China has this morning been cancelled,； confirmed Ian Ross, Everton・s Head of Corporate Affairs and PR.
At present there are no indications that the pneumonia-like virus is subsiding and with more cases being reported everyday, the club had no choice but to pull out of the first ever Kejian Super Challenge Cup.
It・s a massive blow to Everton・s new fan base in China and the club・s sponsors, whose profile, along with Everton・s, has been massively elevated in Asia since the partnership was announced at the start of the season.
Mr Ross explained the reasons behind the decision: "The simple truth is that we could not take the risk of exposing anyone - be they players, officials or supporters - to the possibility of infection by the SARS virus.
：We have taken expert advice on a daily basis over the past fortnight and we have now been advised not to travel to the Far East at this point in time. The club doctor has spoken at length with the relevant authorities both in the United Kingdom and in China.
：There is an understandable degree of disappointment inside the club because this particular trip had been long in the planning and was eagerly anticipated.；
Mr Ross added: ：As a consequence of our sponsorship deal with Kejian, our profile in China is exceedingly high. It would, I suspect, have been an illuminating and successful trip.
：However, our first responsibility is to our supporters and to our players - we just cannot compromise where safety is concerned. It is bitterly disappointing but the health of those who work for this club and who play football for this club must come first.；
At the moment there are no immediate plans to reschedule the trip to China, though club officials are hopeful that they can visit the area some time in the future.