MX23RW : Friday, December 13 01:22:19| >> :600:290222968:290222968:

FIFA sponsors call for Sepp Blatter resignation

FIFA sponsors Coca Cola, McDonalds and Visa urge Sepp Blatter to resign as president of world football's governing body.

FIFA sponsors Coca Cola, McDonald's and Visa have called for Sepp Blatter to step down from his role as president of world football's governing body.

Swiss authorities launched an investigation against the 79-year-old on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and a separate claim of misappropriation in relation to a "disloyal payment" made to UEFA president Michel Platini.

The three organisations have urged the Swiss to end his 17-year tenure as FIFA boss due to the damage made to the reputation of the football's governing body from the recent scandals.

Coca Cola said in a statement: "Every day that passes, the image and reputation of FIFA continues to tarnish.

"FIFA needs comprehensive and urgent reform, and that can only be accomplished through a truly independent approach."

McDonald's added: "The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership.

"We believe it would be in the best interest of the game for FIFA president Sepp Blatter to step down immediately so that the reform process can proceed with the credibility that is needed."

However, the Swiss has refused the demands of the sponsors, as he has insisted that he will not leave his post until his successor has been confirmed in February 2016.

A statement from Blatter's lawyer, Richard Cullen, said: "While Coca Cola is a valued sponsor of FIFA, Mr Blatter respectfully disagrees with its position and believes firmly that his leaving office now would not be in the best interest of FIFA nor would it advance the process of reform and therefore, he will not resign."

Platini and Prince Ali are among the candidates to replace Blatter as president next year.

ID:250288: cacheID:250288:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2795:
Written by
Simon Sinclair
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Prince Ali delivers his speech ahead of the FIFA presidency vote on May 29, 2015
Read Next:
Prince Ali to stand for FIFA presidency
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!