Coca-Cola and McDonald’s want Sepp Blatter out.
Both companies called for FIFA President Joseph “Sepp” Blatter to resign on Friday.
The call comes after Blatter became embroiled in a scandal involving alleged bribes.
“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,” a spokesperson said. “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.”
A McDonald’s spokesperson agreed that recent events had diminished FIFA’s reputation and public confidence.
“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,” the spokesperson added.
Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and other advertisers such as Visa pay millions of dollars each year to partner with FIFA.
Blatter, the association’s eighth president, has served since 1998. He announced his resignation in June, but will hold the position until a replacement is elected.