Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden says it is still “premature” to consider directing all sporting events to be played behind closed doors in a bid to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Government ministers are meeting with sporting bodies in London to discuss possible next steps, but Dowden believes current health advice does not require such precautions yet.

Officials in Italy, France and Greece have already imposed bans on spectators at major events, with Paris St Germain announcing on Monday that their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund this week will be played behind closed doors.

But Dowden told BBC Breakfast: “At the moment, the advice is clear from the chief medical officer, there isn’t a need to cancel such events.”

“It is not in the public interest of fans, players and neighbouring areas for this tournament to proceed. We all have to join together to protect the community from the coronavirus outbreak.”

Nadal wrote on Twitter: “You probably all heard the news. Indian Wells cancelled.

“We are here and still deciding what’s next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation.

“Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe.”

With England’s Six Nations clash in Rome this coming weekend already postponed, there were reports on Monday that the weekend’s other fixtures – Ireland’s trip to France and Wales v Scotland – were also set to be rearranged, with further clarification expected later in the day.

Liverpool Under-23s’ Premier League International Cup match at home to Wolfsburg scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed as, the PA news agency understands, the German club had concerns about travelling in the current climate.