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.

【体坛英语资讯：CONMEBOL eyes September to start World Cup qualifiers】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Torch plane takes off for Athens

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Victoria Beckhams sweet surprise for husband David

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinese champ pushes big seed at China Open

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Madonna returns to Michigan roots to show her film

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Paris Hilton happy to be role model for girls

★ 体坛英语资讯：26-year-old Universiade athletics record shattered

★ 体坛资讯：Yao Ming keen on bearing flag for China at Beijing Olympics

★ 体坛英语资讯：Diving queen Guo shines at 2008 National Diving Championships

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears revealing reality

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Celebs at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards