Roma and Leverkusen pulled out of the 2003 Peace Cup Korea due to fears of SARS and internal problems but organisers were successful and recruiting Besiktas and 1860 Munich.

Turkey developed special ties with South Korea during the 2002 World Cup finals and Besiktas come into the Peace Cup with a great record after winning their 10th championship in the Turkish league last season. Besiktas also impressed in the 2002-2003 Uefa Cup where they were knocked out in the quarterfinals and they booked their ticket to next season’s Champions League.

Meanwhile, 1860 Munchen - who fished 10th on the log last season - are one of the oldest teams in the German Bundesliga.

Besiktas and 1860 Munchen were each assigned to Group A and B respectively. The organising committee conducted a draw for the new participating teams with Besiktas assigned to number 2 of Group A and 1860 Munich to number 1 of Group B.

Host club Seongnam Ilhwa and Besiktas will face-off in the opening match on July 15 at the Sangam Stadium and 1860 Munchen will play their first match of Group B against Guus Hiddink’s PSV Eindhoven on July 16 in Busan, where the South Korean team scored their first win in the 2002 World Cup.

Changes in participating teams will not, according to the organisers, cause any further changes to the fixtures.