The bid process for the 2027 Pan American Games has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic ©Getty Images

Panam Sports has pushed back the start of its bidding process for the 2027 Pan American Games as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Under the continental body's constitution, the 2027 edition of the event should be awarded six years before it opens "save for exceptional circumstances".

Panam Sports President Neven Ilic told insidethegames the Executive Committee had decided to postpone the timeline "because it is not a good moment to start with this process".

The organisation will instead begin the procedure which will culminate in the announcement of a host for the 2027 Pan American Games in 2022.

The host is traditionally named at the Panam Sports General Assembly.

Panam Sports President Neven Ilic said the decision had been made
Panam Sports President Neven Ilic said the decision had been made "because it is not a good moment" to start the process for the 2027 Games ©Getty Images

Bolivia and Colombia had expressed their interest in hosting the multi-sport event in 2027, while Argentina – which withdrew from the race for the 2023 Games, won by Santiago in Chile – was also thought to be considering a bid.

It is not yet clear whether others will submit a bid for the Games amid the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic.

insidethegames understands some of the sports on the programme for the first Junior Pan American Games in Cali next year may have to be dropped due to the COVID-19 crisis.

A total of 27 sports are set to feature at the Games, which were moved from their original June dates to September by Panam Sports last month.

The Panam Sports Executive Committee also heard updates on preparations for the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago during its latest virtual meeting.