By Andrew Warshaw
October 4 – Sepp Blatter has rejected the demands of a string of FIFA’s front-line US sponsors to step down immediately in the wake of the deepening corruption crisis, saying to do so would not help the beleagured organisation.
In what appeared to be a co-ordinated action, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Visa and Anheuser-Busch InBev have all called on Blatter to take the plunge and leave after being placed under criminal investigation by the Swiss authorities.
In a statement Cola-Cola said: “Every day that passes FIFA’s image and reputation continues to tarnish. FIFA needs comprehensive and urgent reform, and that can only be accomplished through a truly independent approach.”
“For the benefit of the game, The Coca-Cola Company is calling for FIFA president Joseph Blatter to step down immediately so that a credible and sustainable reform process can begin in earnest.”
Fast-food chain McDonald’s said Blatter’s resignation would be “in the best interest of the game” and Visa and Anheuser-Busch In-Bev followed suit.
Visa commented: “As we’ve previously said, we believe two things need to happen to ensure credible reform: First, an independent, third-party commission led by one or more important leaders is critical to formulate reforms; Second, we believe no meaningful reform can be made under FIFA’s existing leadership.
“And, given the events of last week, it’s clear it would be in the best interests of FIFA and the sport for Sepp Blatter to step down immediately.”
Anheuser-Busch InBev added: “It would be appropriate for Mr. Blatter to step down as we believe his continued presence to be an obstacle in the reform process.”
Blatter has already announced that he will leave in February, nine months into a fifth four-term. To make yet more concessions is clearly one step too far for the 79-year-old Swiss – even in the face of the corporate giants who pour millions into Fifa’s coffers and without whom FIFA’s finances would collapse.
In a counter-statement released through his US-based legal team, Blatter said resigning now “would not be in the best interest of FIFA, nor would it advance the process of reform”.
“While Coca-Cola is a valued sponsor of FIFA, Mr Blatter respectfully disagrees with its position and firmly believes 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.”
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