ZURICH — Sepp Blatter defied calls from FIFA sponsors Budweiser, Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Visa on Friday to relinquish immediately as president of world soccer's governing body instead of clinging on prior to the emergency election in February.
The interventions in the long-standing sponsors come weekly after the 79-year-old Blatter was placed under criminal investigation by Swiss authorities for alleged financial wrongdoing at FIFA, that he has led since 1998.
The 79-year-old Blatter "respectfully disagrees" using the sponsors' demands, the president's lawyer, Richard Cullen, said in the statement.
"(He) believes firmly that his leaving office now couldn't survive in the interest of FIFA nor wouldn't it advance the operation of reform and for that reason, he'll not resign," Cullen said.
Coca-Cola, which includes advertised in stadiums each and every World Cup since 1950, was the initial of the sponsors on Friday to demand Blatter's resignation.
"For the benefit from the game, The Coca-Cola Company is calling for FIFA President Joseph Blatter to step down immediately in order that a credible and sustainable reform process can start in earnest," Coca-Cola said in a very statement. "Every day that passes, the picture and trustworthiness of FIFA will continue to tarnish. FIFA needs comprehensive and urgent reform, which can only be accomplished by way of a truly independent approach."
That call was echoed by McDonald's, which includes been a World Cup sponsor since 1994.
"The events of contemporary weeks have continued to decrease the trustworthiness of FIFA and public confidence to use leadership," rapid food giant said in the statement. "We trust it would be inside best interest in the game for FIFA President Sepp Blatter to step down immediately making sure that the reform process can proceed together with the credibility that is required."
A further blow originated Visa, containing a FIFA deal throughout the 2022 World Cup.
"We believe no meaningful reform can be achieved under FIFA's existing leadership," Visa said. "And considering the events of the other day, it's clear it would be within the best interest of FIFA plus the sport for Sepp Blatter to step down immediately."
The fourth statement was delivered by brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev, whose Budweiser branding has appeared on hoardings in World Cup stadiums since 1986 as well as the current deal runs until 2022.
"It could well be appropriate for Mr. Blatter to step down even as we believe his continued presence for being an obstacle inside the reform process," the beer maker said in a very statement.
Blatter's own position may be weakened as lawyers oversee key decisions at scandal-battered FIFA and the man waits to listen to whether he's going to be suspended from the ethics committee.
English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke known as the strong intervention from sponsors "a game changer" that ought to prevent Blatter from standing inside the Feb. 26 election.
"It is irrelevant what Mr. Blatter says now, in the event the people who spend on FIFA require a change they are going to get a change," Dyke said. "What is essential is that it isn't only about Mr. Blatter standing down, it is more about making sure you will find there's comprehensive and effective reform programme.
"So for anyone of us who desire fundamental change it is good news."
