Fifa defers launch of World Cup bidding process

Fifa has postponed the announcement of the the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup, due to the corruption crisis that has engulfed the organisation.

The world governing body also confirmed a decision on the date of the congress to elect Sepp Blatter’s successor as president will be made in July, with December 16 a likely option.

Meanwhile, Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke has defended his involvement in a $10m (€8.8m) payment from South Africa to an account controlled by Jack Warner via Fifa’s executive office.