Blatter to Ignore Calls From World Cup Sponsors to Resign

Sepp Blatter has once again refused to step down as FIFA President following calls from four major World Cup sponsors asking him to do so. 

Coca-Cola, Budweiser, Visa and McDonald’s all released statements asking for Blatter to resign with immediate effect.

Blatter’s lawyer Richard Cullen released a statement saying: “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.”

Coca-Cola’s statement read: “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 followed with a statement of their own saying: “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.”

Other major World Cup sponsors Adidas, Hyundai and Gazprom didn’t follow suit and call for the 79-year-old Swiss to step down.

Kia, which is owned by Hyundai, said they would not be offering a comment regarding Blatter and FIFA, whereas Adidas released a short statement mentioning that “the initiated reform process must continue quickly and transparently”.

FA Chairman Greg Dyke believes this move by FIFA’s sponsors is a ‘game changer’.

“It doesn’t matter what Mr Blatter says now – if the people who pay for FIFA want a change they will get a change,” he said.

“It isn’t just about Mr Blatter standing down – it’s about making sure there is a comprehensive and effective reform programme. So for those of us who want fundamental change this is good news.” 

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