KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 29 -- The AFC Champions League group stage matches have been rescheduled with Chinese clubs set to play their first three matches away due to concerns over the novel coronavirus in Central China's Hubei Province, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Wednesday.

Home matches of the Chinese clubs in the AFC Champions League Group Stage on Match Day 1, 2 and 3, which take place between February till early March, will be rescheduled and be played as away matches by swapping the match order with opponent clubs, the football governing body said in a statement.

The decision was made after close consultation with the Chinese Football Association (CFA), it said.

AFC added that it would closely monitor the situation before deciding further on the home matches of Chinese clubs on Match Day 4,5 and 6.

"The decision, which was also made in conjunction with the competing clubs from the respective groups, is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of all participating players and teams in view of the current coronavirus outbreak in the People's Republic of China," it said.