Ismaily won the first leg against Raja 1-0 in Ismailia last month. (Photo: Al-Ahram)
The Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFAAC) announced on Saturday that Sunday's match between Egypt's Ismaily and Morocco's Raja in the second leg of the Arab Cup semis will be put off because of fears over the spread of coronavirus.
Earlier last week, the union had said that the Dervishes will face Raja behind closed doors in Morocco due to coronavirus concerns, before deciding to postpone the semifinal matches indefinitely.
"In reference to the latest news concerning the spread of coronavirus, and according to the precautionary measures taken by countries all over the world to deal with this virus, and out of concern for the safety of the players, we decided to postpone the semifinal matches until further notice," read a statement issued by the union on Saturday.
Saudi Club Al-Shabab was due to face country rivals Al-Ittihad in the other semifinal confrontation.
Ismaily won the first leg against Raja 1-0 in Ismailia last month.
So far, eight people tested positive for the coronavirus in Morocco, while Egypt announced on Friday that the virus has infected 93 people.
Last week, Morocco banned fans from attending football matches and cancelled many economic, sports and cultural events involving foreign travellers as authorities continue to implement precautionary measures at entry points and hospitals to prevent the spread of the virus.
On Tuesday, Egypt suspended all sports activities around the country until further notice, but according to the Egyptian Football Association, domestic football competitions will continue to be held in the absence of fans.
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