FIFA has postponed the bidding process to host the 2026 World Cup due to allegations of bribery surrounding the bids by Russia and Qatar.
FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke announced the delay in Russia, stating it was "nonsense" to begin the bidding process. The United States, Mexico, Canada and Colombia are seen as potential bidders.
"Due to the situation, I think it's nonsense to start any bidding process for the time being," Valcke said.
Valcke is reportedly under investigation for authorizing a $10 million bribe from South Africa as to host the 2010 World Cup.
The 209 member associations of FIFA, the world's soccer governing organization, will vote for the 2026 World Cup in May 2017.
The FBI and Swiss prosecutors are looking into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 world cups, set to be hosted in Russia and Qatar, respectively.
Charges announced by the U.S. Justice Department in May accuse 14 FIFA officials and corporate executives of "racketeering, wire fraud and money-laundering conspiracies, among other offenses, in connection with the defendants' participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer."
By Andrew V. Pestano
