FIFA Sponsors Call for Blatter's Resignation
FIFA President Joseph Blatter's leadership is facing intensified pressure after several of the organization's high-profile sponsors demanded his immediate resignation. Coca-Cola, Visa, and McDonald's have all issued statements calling for Blatter's departure, stating that his continued presence would hinder a comprehensive and effective reform process. This sudden loss of support comes as Blatter faces ongoing criminal proceedings in Switzerland, including allegations of mismanagement and misappropriation.
Key Takeaways:
- Coca-Cola, Visa, and McDonald's have issued statements calling for FIFA President Joseph Blatter's immediate resignation.
- The sponsors cited the need for a credible and sustainable reform process, which can only be accomplished through a truly independent approach.
- Blatter is suspected of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation over a TV rights deal signed with former Caribbean football chief Warner in 2005.
- He is also suspected of making a disloyal payment of two million Swiss francs to UEFA president Michel Platini in 2011.
- The FIFA ethics committee is investigating Blatter and Platini over these allegations.
- Blatter's lawyer has stated that he will not resign, insisting that his departure would not advance the reform process.
- AB InBev, the manufacturers of Budweiser, have also called for Blatter's resignation, citing his continued presence as an obstacle to reform.
Statistics:
- 79 years old: the age of FIFA President Joseph Blatter.
- $1.35 million: the approximate value of the two million Swiss francs allegedly paid to Michel Platini.
- 2011: the year in which Blatter is suspected of making the disloyal payment to Platini.
- 2005: the year in which Blatter signed the TV rights deal with former Caribbean football chief Warner.
Sources:
- Press Association Sport
- Coca-Cola Company
- McDonald's Worldwide
- Visa
- AB InBev (Budweiser manufacturers)