Coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the sporting calendar, with a number of AFC events postponed or rescheduled due to the outbreak. 

Shaikh Salman has voiced his support for those affected by the illness and discussed the "sensible decisions" made to postpone events. 

"These are unprecedented and challenging times for everyone in these societies," he said.

"My heartfelt sympathies and my total support are extended to them - not just in Asia but worldwide.

"In these circumstances, we will ensure that the health and safety of the football family and fans is paramount and that is the clear message from the AFC. 

"The AFC will not put anyone at risk during these times of heightened health concerns and so we have taken some sensible decisions to postpone both matches and events.

"The AFC hopes that there is a quick and safe end to this current situation and that we can return to normality where football can play a role in bringing some joy and entertainment to people’s lives. 

"In the meantime, I have instructed the AFC administration to continue monitoring the spread of the virus and to take the appropriate and immediate action needed to protect the football family and fans."

The AFC Congress, due to take place in Malaysia’s capital city Kuala Lumpur on April 16, has now been postponed, while the two-legged women’s Olympic playoff has also been impacted. 

South Korea and China had been due to play on March 6 and 11, with the matches now scheduled for April 9 and 14.

China’s home leg will take place in Australia at the Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney.

Eight further matches in the AFC Champions League have also been postponed due to the ongoing outbreak.

Five of the ties involve Iranian teams, with 593 cases having been confirmed in the country to date.

The AFC also agreed to the proposal by both Ulsan Hyundai FC and Perth Glory to swap their AFC Champions League Group F tie, which was originally scheduled to take place on March 4 at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.

The game will now take place on April 7, while Perth Glory’s home tie against Ulsan Hyundai FC will now be held at HBF Park on March 18.

More than 85,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed worldwide since the outbreak began in China.

Nearly 80,000 of the cases have been recorded in China, but the virus is now believed to be spreading faster outside the country.

On Monday, AFC will hold its second emergency meeting in Kuala Lumpur to discuss national and club matches.

A meeting for the west zone will be held in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on March 7.