Bayern Munich and the Nigeria national team are the latest sides to withdraw from matches in the far east because of the outbreak of the SARS virus.

Bayern has planned to play two friendly matches in Beijing and Shanghai in July, but club spokesman Markus Hoerwick confirmed that the club have now pulled out of the matches.

Meanwhile, Nigeria, who replaced Portugal in the three-nation Kirin Cup 2003 tournament scheduled to be played in Japan, have confirmed that they will not attend the mini-tournament.

Argentina, who along with Japan, complete the line-up, have indicated that they will still play in the competition.