Fifa is delaying the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup as allegations of corruptions continue to swirl around the 2018 and 2022 bids.
Football's embattled world governing body was due to inform members of the bidding process for 2026 this week, with a vote planned to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in May 2017.
However, Fifa general secretary Jérôme Valcke said it was "nonsense" to start the bidding process given US and Swiss investigations into the allocation of the next two tournaments, due to take place in Russia and Qatar.
The US are reported to be favourites to host the 2026 tournament, but Canada and Mexico have also confirmed their interest.
English FA chairman Greg Dyke has previously said that England could bid if Sepp Blatter was no longer in office as Fifa president.
Separately, reports have emerged that the presidential election to replace Blatter could be held on 16 December, with the Swiss remaining in position until then.
The decision adds yet another layer to the crisis and will increase pressure on Russia and Qatar amid calls for the bidding processes for their tournaments to be rerun.
Fifa released a brief statement saying that the 2026 administrative process had been placed on hold "due to the current situation". The statement gave no indication as to when the process would resume.
Speaking in the Russian city of Sumara, Valcke said: "Due to the situation, I think it's a nonsense to start any bidding process for the time being."
Valcke also defended himself over accusations that he was involved in a $10m (€8.9m) payment from the South African government to disgraced former Fifa executive Jack Warner. US authorities suspect the payment was a bribe in return for votes for South Africa.
Valcke said that "it was not Fifa's money" and the payment had been made in accordance with rules, adding that he did not understand "why I am such a target in this question".
Last week, the FBI reportedly broadened their investigation into a $150m (€133m) money laundering scheme at Fifa to include the bidding processes for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
At least five World Cups are now under scrutiny of bribery and corruption after testimony from former Fifa executive Chuck Blazer alleged backhanders in relation to the 2010 tournament in South Africa and France's 1998 competition. The FBI is also examining links between Valcke and former Brazilian football chief Ricardo Teixeira in relation to last summer's tournament in Brazil.
Swiss authorities are also separately investigating the 2018 and 2022 bids and seized documents from Fifa's Zurich headquarters on the day when seven top officials were arrested in connection with the US investigation.
Separately, Fifa confirmed today that a meeting would be held in July to determine the date of the next presidential election.
Candidates must submit their applications four months prior to the election, and mid-December is believed to be the preferred option for an election to be held.
A number of candidates have been mooted to succeed Blatter, with Jordanian Prince Ali bin al-Hussein and Uefa president Michel Platini looking the most likely. However, newly-elected Fifa executive Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah of Kuwait and South Korean businessman Chung Mong-joon, who is the controlling shareholder of Hyundai, have also recently emerged as possible candidates.
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Conor is a staff writer for Newsweek covering Africa, with a focus on Nigeria, security and conflict.
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