MX23RW : Friday, November 8 13:23:39| >> :600:287242248:287242248:

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:
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
FT
Bengals
34-35
Ravens
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


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!