The AFC said the decision applies to all games in the tournament, the second-tier club competition in Asia, which had been due to take place this month and in April.

Governments in the region have imposed travel bans and other measures designed to help curb the spread of the virus, which has so far killed more than 8,000 people and infected over 200,000 worldwide.

The continental body had already postponed matches in the West of Asia, but the latest decision covers all five of its zones.

In a statement, the AFC said it will "closely monitor the situation before deciding when to recommence the 2020 AFC Cup season".

"The decision, which was also made in conjunction with the competing clubs and their respective Member Associations, is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participating players and teams, match officials and spectators as well as designed to protect the integrity of the competition," the AFC added.

Dozens of events, including Olympic qualifiers and World Championships, have either been postponed or cancelled because of the COVID-19 virus.

The outbreak has forced a near shutdown of sport worldwide, including in football, with numerous competitions postponed and suspended.

UEFA Euro 2020 and this year's Copa América have both been postponed, while FIFA has urged all upcoming internationals to be called off.

AFC qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has also been impacted.

Leagues and continental club tournaments across the world have been put on indefinite hold because of the virus.