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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