Coca Cola calls on Blatter to resign Fifa role

Coca-Cola, a top sponsor of Fifa, has called for Sepp Blatter to step down immediately as president of soccer’s governing body following a scandal involving alleged bribes and kickbacks. His departure would allow a “credible and sustainable reform process” to begin, the company said yesterday.

“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,” Coca-Cola said

The move follows a push by Coca-Cola for Fifa to adopt an independent commission that can reform the organisation and “win back the trust of all who love the sport”.

Fifa faces a corruption investigation in the US and Switzerland. Swiss prosecutors opened a criminal probe into Blatter last week.

Blatter, who took over in 1998, was planning to stay at Fifa until a replacement is elected in February.

He says he will not run for re-election.

Bloomberg