FIFA announced a date yesterday for the election of their next president, while also postponing the bid for the 2026 World Cup.

December 16 looks like the most likely date to name Sepp Blatter’s successor, after he unexpectedly announced his departure just days after being re-elected for a fifth term.

The world football governing body is being investigated by the US government for corruption — nine officials have been arrested.

A Fifa spokesperson confirmed that a meeting will be held in July where the decision on the date of a congress to hold the presidential election will be taken.

The bidding process for the 2026 World Cup, which was due to be announced this week, has had to be postponed, under-fire general secretary Jerome Valcke confirmed at a press conference in Russia, due to ongoing allegations surrounding the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, in which Russia and Qatar.

Valcke said: “Due to the situation, I think it’s nonsense to start any bidding process for the time being.”

He also defended the handling of a $10m payment from disgraced Fifa ex-vice-president Jack Warner, saying: “It was not Fifa’s money. It was a request from official South African authorities and the South African Football Association. As long as it is in line with rules we do it.

“I don’t understand what’s the problem and why I am such a target in this question.

“You (the media) have decided that after Blatter I am the head to be cut, fine, but don’t say it is because of this $10m.”