FIFA: Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Visa and AB InBev demand the immediate departure of Joseph Blatter

Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Visa and AB InBev (Budweiser), major partners of FIFA, all demanded the immediate departure of Joseph Blatter on 02/10/2015.

"The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership," said the McDonald's restaurant chain. "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. Every day that passes, the image and reputation of FIFA continues to tarnish," said the American beverages group. Each major partner of FIFA pays an average of $29.5m (€26.4m) per year.

"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," said Richard Cullen, Joseph Blatter's lawyer, on 02/10/2015.

• These press releases follow the opening of criminal proceedings by the Swiss…