FIFA has stripped Peru of the hosting rights for this year's Under-17 World Cup due to concerns over infrastructure, with world soccer’s governing body now reportedly turning to Brazil to stage the competition.

FIFA confirmed via a statement that Peru would not stage the international men's soccer tournament in October due to organisational and infrastructure “challenges” linked to delivery of the event. The news comes with the South American country set to also host the Pan American and Parapan American Games later this year.

Now left without a host, FIFA said it was evaluating hosting alternatives for the tournament but did not reveal potential replacements for Peru.

However, according to a report from Globo Esporte, Brazil is set to step up as a replacement, with FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura apparently writing to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) asking if it would consider hosting. With the country also the venue for this year’s Copa America much of the required tournament infrastructure is being prepared currently.

The decision to stand down Peru was made by the Bureau of the FIFA Council, comprised of president Gianni Infantino and the heads of each of the six confederations, following several inspection visits to Peru.

‘FIFA would like to express its thanks to the FPF and the Peruvian authorities for their efforts, and remains open to organising a competition in Peru in the future,’ the statement added.

England are defending champions after winning the previous edition of the biennial tournament in India in 2017, but still need to secure qualification for this year’s World Cup via the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in May.