Everton's tour of China in May is in doubt due to the outbreak of the deadly flu-like SARS virus.
The English club, which is sponsored by Chinese mobile phonemaker Kejian and has China midfielder Li Tie in its first team,is due to play two games on May 23 and May 25 in Shenzhen.
Shenzhen is located in the Guangdong province of China wherethe Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was firstidentified. SARS has no known cure and has since spread throughAsia and worldwide, killing 78 people and infecting over 2,300.
"There is no way that we would sanction a trip, which wouldplace anyone's health in jeopardy," said Everton spokesman IanRoss on his club's website.
"Clearly, there is a problem at the moment. We aremonitoring the situation and we have already been in contactwith the relevant authorities.
"As ever, we shall take advice and be guided by the experts.If we are told that it would be unsafe to travel out to Chinathen the trip will be cancelled. That would, of course,represent a major disappointment but it comes down to a questionof basic priorities.
"We hope to be in a position to make a decision within thenext 10 days."
Premier league Everton are due to play Chinese side Shandongon May 23 and Shenzhen on May 25. English club Aston Villa arealso involved in the four-team tournament.