FIFA

Women's World Cup draw in China postponed because of SARS fears.

ZURICH, Switzerland, (Thursday, April 10, 2003) -- International governing body FIFA postponed indefinitely next month's draw for the 2003 Women's World Cup because of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak.

The World Cup draw was due to be held in Wuhan, China, on May 24 before FIFA acted today. The Cup is scheduled to take place in China from September 23-October 11.

SARS is becoming an increasing worry in the soccer community and China is the nation hit hardest by the deadly flu-like virus. Mia Hamm, a striker for the United States women and the world's most renowned female player, for one, hinted that investigating the possibility of moving the fourth women's world championship elsewhere should be considered now should the situation worsen.

"That's always going to be a concern because right now we don't know much about SARS or how to control it," Hamm told The Washington Post. "The reason why we're thinking about it now is you can't just three weeks before the tournament decide to change venues. We've heard the same rumblings that there's going to be the possibility of a change, which is unfortunate because China always does a great job hosting this type of event."

The first women's world championship, won by the U.S. in 1991, was hosted by China. Recently, China has hosted the annual prestigious women's Four Nations Cup.

On the men's side, Aston Villa and Everton of England's Premier League, withdrew from postseason tours of China upon advice from its government and the World Health Organization which warned against travel to the region.

SARS has no known cure and the epidemic has spread worldwide though hitting Asia the hardest. More than 100 deaths are attributed to SARS and more than 3,000 have been diagnosed with the disease.