ASUNCION, March 19 -- The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has asked FIFA to postpone the start of its 2022 World Cup qualifying tournament to September.

CONMEBOL proposed the new dates after a meeting of its executive board via a video conference call on Thursday.

"By doing this, the confederation ensures all precautions are taken against the global and regional spread of the coronavirus, in line with the recommendations of international health authorities," CONMEBOL said in a statement.

The South American zone's opening World Cup qualifiers had been scheduled to take place on March 26, 27 and 31 but were suspended last week.

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil are due to host Bolivia and travel to Peru in their first two qualifiers while two-time champions Argentina are scheduled to host Ecuador and visit Bolivia.

CONMEBOL this week postponed the 2020 Copa America for a year and suspended the Copa Libertadores - the region's most prestigious club competition - until further notice.

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