First professional footballer reportedly infected

An Italian-Nigerian footballer has reportedly become the first professional player to be infected with the coronavirus.

King Paul Akpan Udoh, 22, who plays for Pianese in Serie C, was diagnosed on Thursday and has been quarantined, media outlets have reported.

He was once on the books of Italian giants Juventus before dropping to the country's third tier.

Footballers worried about the impact of coronavirus have been contacting unions "out of fear" they could be forced to play in "high-risk environments", according to global body Fifpro.

It said in a statement Fifro said there was a danger of football "acting as a vehicle to spread" the disease.

"Our talks with various football stakeholders also address the rescheduling of international dates, including but not limited to qualifying matches for this year’s Tokyo Olympics and 2022 FIFA World Cup," Fifpro said.

AFC Champions League matches due to take place next week have already been rescheduled as a result of the growing outbreak.