Visa Joins Fellow Sponsors in Expressing Disappointment over Fifa Corruption Scandal

Credit card giant Visa today became the latest corporate backer of Fifa to voice concern about the corruption scandal engulfing world football's governing body. Visa joins fellow World Cup sponsors Coca-Cola, adidas and Emirates Airline in expressing disappointment about the crisis that has seen Fifa executives Mohamed bin Hammam and Jack Warner suspended. The statement from Visa reflects the growing unease among sponsors and stakeholders over the unfolding scandal, which has also prompted the Football Association (FA) to call on Fifa to abandon its president Sepp Blatter's re-election and launch an independent probe into the claims.

Key Takeaways:

• Visa, Coca-Cola, adidas, and Emirates Airline have expressed disappointment over the Fifa corruption scandal, echoing concerns about the crisis's impact on the sport.
• The Football Association has called on Fifa to delay the re-election of President Sepp Blatter to allow for an independent inquiry into the claims, citing the need for reform.
• The FA also wants support from other nations for a probe into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and allegations of bribery against former Fifa member Mohamed bin Hammam.
• David Bernstein, FA chairman, stated that the scandal has been "a very damaging time for the reputation of Fifa and therefore the whole of football."
• Senior MPs, including John Whittingdale and Hugh Robertson, have urged Sepp Blatter to resign, citing the need for major reforms to restore confidence in Fifa's governance.
• Sport minister Hugh Robertson warned that England will apply "political pressure" at European level if Fifa does not adopt significant reforms.

Statistics:

• 4 Fifa executives, including Mohamed bin Hammam and Jack Warner, have been suspended over allegations of bribery.
• 2 weeks ago, the FA said it would abstain in the vote for Fifa president after a parliamentary inquiry revealed that several Fifa members sought favours in return for supporting England's 2018 World Cup bid.
• 3 Fifa sponsors (Visa, Coca-Cola, and Emirates Airline) have issued statements expressing disappointment over the scandal.

Sources:

• Visa statement via Sport Back page
• Emirates statement via Sport Back page
• adidas statement via Sport Back page
• Coca-Cola statement via Sport Back page
• Football Association (FA) statement via Sport Back page
• John Whittingdale via London Standard
• Hugh Robertson via London Standard