The Slovakian football association has formally asked UEFA to postpone the Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against the Republic of Ireland as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Slovakia are due to host Ireland in Bratislava in 26 March, with the winners scheduled to face either Bosnia and Herzegovina or Northern Ireland in the final.

The Slovakian government announced it would close its borders to all foreigners except Poles in order to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Starting tomorrow morning, "no foreign citizens will be allowed to enter Slovakia. At the border crossings with Poland, only Polish citizens will be allowed to enter the country," interior ministry spokesman Peter Lazarov said.

The Slovak government also said it was shutting down all international airports and schools.

A statement on the Slovensky Futbalovy Zvaz's official website said: "The SFZ respects all measures already taken by state authorities and institutions in relation to the spread of Covid-19.

"As the situation surrounding the spread of coronavirus and the number of infections with this virus is increasing in Slovakia and also in neighbouring European countries, the SFZ has decided along with the Central Crisis Staff in line with measures published by the Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic on social events to send a letter to UEFA.

"In this official document, the SFZ asks for the Euro 2020 Slovakia v Ireland qualifying match, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2020 at the National Football Stadium, to take place in a substitute period.

"As the main organiser of this meeting, the SFZ takes full responsibility for all decisions related to this match and does not want to risk the health of all concerned."