(Yicai Global) Jan. 30 -- The Chinese Football Association is postponing matches at all levels this season, including fixtures in the top flight Super League, to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus sweeping the nation.

The decision is to ensure the health of players, coaches, fans and anybody else connected to the events, the association said on its website. It has not decided how long the hiatus will last but said it will remain in close contact with epidemic prevention agencies and assess the situation at a later date.

The organization has also asked the Asian Football Confederation to move three women's regional qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to other countries. They were originally scheduled to take place in Wuhan, the epicenter of the deadly virus.

The Super League was timetabled to kick off on Feb. 22 this year.

Editor: James Boynton