FIFA, football’s world governing body, is not considering a reform of the voting system for choosing World Cup hosts despite the controversy surrounding last week’s decision for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

On Thursday, FIFA’s executive committee voted to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar, decisions that prompted complaints that politics had played a large a part in the process.

Jerome Valcke, FIFA general secretary, said: “We have not sat down to discuss a reform of the voting system. It’s not part of our discussions at the moment.”

“Yes, it is a political decision,” he added. “But overall, I think reactions were positive. The decision was fairly well received by football fans. It shows that football is open to the world.

“Russia is a great footballing country and deserves it. And the Middle East is part of the family of football.”

Valcke also said the bidding process to chose who would stage the 2026 tournament would not take place before 2018.