Brazil suspends national football competitions

RIO DE JANEIRO - The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has suspended all national football competitions in a bid to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

The affected tournaments include the Brazilian Cup, the top two women's divisions and two youth championships, the CBF said in a statement on Sunday.

The measure will stay in place until further notice, it said. However state federations will decide whether to halt local competitions that are currently underway.

Brazil's Serie A season is due to be held from May 3 to December 6.

The CBF's decision comes three days after the South American Football Confederation [CONMEBOL] suspended this week's scheduled matches in the Copa Libertadores - South America's top football competition.

Earlier on Sunday, Mexico's FA said it suspended the country's top two football division on the advice of the country's health ministry.