Football's leaders have delayed a decision on World Cup bidding until December but agree in principle that the 2018 and 2022 tournaments should be voted on at the same time, Fifa president Sepp Blatter announced today.

Blatter has been pushing for both hosts to be voted on at the same meeting in three years' time but some opposition to the double tender surfaced at a meeting of Fifa's 24-man executive committee in Zurich today.

As a result, a decision has been postponed until their next meeting in December.

Blatter told a news conference in Zurich: "A proposal was made that we should decide the 2018 and 2022 World Cups together so that we can offer a package and give the organisations and governments the necessary time to prepare.

"The executive committee was in agreement, there was a positive reaction to this general idea, but three or four members asked to postpone the final decision for several weeks to look at not only the advantages but some inconveniences that may happen.

"The principle has been accepted however."

The delay means that England's detailed plans for their campaign for the 2018 World Cup remain in limbo.

It would be a blow to England's hopes if only the 2018 tournament went to a vote in 2011 because it would probably mean the United States, potentially major rivals, entering the race.

If there were a double tender for 2018 and 2022, the USA would be more likely to target the later tournament.