Supporters of Brazilian Sao Paulo cheer for their team during a Copa Libertadores football match against Ecuador's Liga de Quito at Morumbi stadium, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on March 11, 2020. (NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP)

RIO DE JANEIRO / CAIRO / BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - 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 affected tournaments include the Brazilian Cup, the top two women's divisions and two youth championships, the CBF said in a statement

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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.

Egypt suspends all football tournaments for 15 days

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) decided on Saturday to suspend all activities for 15 days as of Monday, March 16, to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In a statement, the EAF said the decision applies to all divisions and local competitions, adding that the move came in accordance with the instructions of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Youth and Sports.

Al-Ahly fans celebrate their team's win against Mamelodi Sundowns during the CAF Champions League Quarter-final second leg match between South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt's Al-Ahly at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on March 7, 2020. (PHIL MAGAKOE / AFP)

Earlier in the day, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi decided to suspend school and university classes across the country for two weeks due to concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus.

During his meeting with Madbouly, Sisi also allocated 100 billion Egyptian pounds (US$6.36 billion) to finance the anti-COVID-19 comprehensive plan and its precautionary measures.

According to Egypt's health ministry, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Egypt hit 109, with two death cases.

Since the emergence of the coronavirus, Egypt has adopted an integrated plan which covers early detection, quarantine and treatment measures, as well as raising public awareness.

Brunei calls off football, basketball matches

Brunei has canceled all official football and basketball matches in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases in the country.

Mohammad Shah Razen (4th L) of Brunei competes during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Joint Qualification second leg football match between Brunei and Mongolia in Seri Begawan, Brunei, June 11, 2019. (JEFFERY WONG / XINHUA)

According to Brunei's Ministry of Health, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the Sultanate has risen to 40, following 3 new cases announced on Saturday and the first positive case confirmed on Monday.

Amid rising concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) has decided to suspend all matches of the Brunei Super League immediately until further notice, local daily the Borneo Bulletin reported on Saturday.

Similar steps have also been taken at the district level with the announcement of the suspension of the Tutong District Amateur Football Association League.

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Meanwhile, the Brunei Basketball Association has also suspended the remaining games of the National Basketball League until further notice, citing growing local concern on the increasing number of coronavirus cases in Brunei and in line with the Ministry of Health's advice to limit physical contact.

Brunei's health ministry stated recently that mass gatherings, including weddings and sporting events are not permitted at present taking into consideration the COVID-19 situation in Brunei and advice from the World Health Organization.