Blatter defies calls from FIFA sponsors to quit immediately

[Lite Beer]

Blatter defies calls from FIFA sponsors to quit immediately
ROB HARRIS, AP Sports Writer

ZURICH (AP) — Sepp Blatter defied calls from FIFA sponsors Budweiser, Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Visa to quit immediately as president of world soccer's governing body on Friday rather than cling on until the emergency election in February.

The seemingly-coordinated interventions from the long-standing corporate backers came a week after the Blatter was interrogated by Swiss investigators and placed under criminal investigation for alleged financial wrongdoing at FIFA, which he has led since 1998.

It marked an escalation in the dual American and Swiss soccer corruption investigations, which burst into public view with the arrest of seven FIFA officials at a Zurich hotel two days before the presidential election in May. They are among 14 officials indicted in the U.S. on bribery and racketeering charges.

The 79-year-old Blatter gained a fifth term only to announce resignation plans four days later in the face of private pressure from sponsors and the fear of a criminal investigation.

But Blatter is determined to remain in power until his successor is elected on Feb. 26 and "respectfully disagrees" with the sponsors who demand his immediate departure, the president's lawyer, Richard Cullen, said.

"(He) 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," Cullen said in a statement.

Coca-Cola, which has advertised in stadiums at every World Cup since 1950, was the first of the sponsors to demand Blatter's resignation, having previously just called for reforms at the scandal-battered governing body.

"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," Coca-Cola said in a statement.

"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."

That call was echoed by fast food giant McDonald's, which has been a World Cup sponsor since 1994.

"The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership," McDonald's said in a statement. "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."

A further blow came from Visa, which has a FIFA deal through the 2022 World Cup.

"We believe no meaningful reform can be made under FIFA's existing leadership," Visa said. "And given the events of last week, it's clear it would be in the best interest of FIFA and 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 and its current deal runs until 2022.

"It would be appropriate for Mr. Blatter to step down as we believe his continued presence to be an obstacle in the reform process," the beer maker said in a statement.

Blatter's own position has been weakened as lawyers oversee key decisions at FIFA and he waits to hear whether he will be suspended by the ethics committee.

Swiss prosecutors allege that Blatter undervalued World Cup broadcasting contracts for the Caribbean sold to disgraced former FIFA vice president Jack Warner in 2005. Blatter was also questioned over an allegedly "disloyal payment" of 2 million Swiss francs (now $2.04 million) in 2011 from FIFA to UEFA President Michel Platini for work carried out at least nine years earlier.

Blatter has denied being corrupt but he is a target of U.S. investigators.

Although the sponsors did not respond to Blatter rejecting their demands to resign with a threat to withdraw cash from FIFA, English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke praised their intervention as "a game changer."

"It doesn't matter what Mr. Blatter says now, if the people who pay for FIFA want a change they will get a change," Dyke said. "What is important is that it isn't just about Mr. Blatter standing down, it's about making sure there is a comprehensive and effective reform program.

"So for those of us who want fundamental change this is good news."

FIFA generated $5.7 billion in 2011-2014, which encompassed the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, with sponsors and commercial partners contributing $1.6 billion.

The crisis is damaging FIFA's attempts to attract new sponsors ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Only seven of 14 available positions in FIFA's top two commercial categories have been filled. Two top-tier sponsors, Dubai-based airline Emirates and Sony, were among several commercial partners who did not renew last year.

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-10-03

[godden]

Can't quit got his fat face stuck in the trough.

[geriatrickid]

Isn't there a financial interest to stay? Under his employment contract, as long as he remains head of FIFA, FIFA has to pay his legal fees. If he resigns he will be stuck with a multi million euro defense cost, right?

[Soutpeel]

What an arrogant dick....

[Steely Dan]

He must be after the Mugabe award for the worlds most overstayed welcome.

[Chicog]

"(He) 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," Cullen said in a statement.

"He's a delusional moron" Chico said in a statement.

Edited October 3, 2015 by Chicog

[Lite Beer]

Top FIFA sponsors demand Sepp Blatter quits immediately

Major football sponsors are demanding the immediate resignation of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Companies that have long linked their brand names to the game, such as Visa, Coca Cola and McDonald’s, are among those calling for Blatter to step down.

It is the biggest move by companies supporting the sport since a bribery and corruption scandal erupted at world football’s governing body last May.

“The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership,” read an emailed statement from McDonald’s. “We believe it would be in the best interest of the game of the FIFA President Sepp Blatter to step down immediately so that the reform process can proceed with the credibility that is needed.”

The move by sponsors come just one week after Swiss authorities said they opened a criminal investigation into Blatter on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation of funds.

Blatter has denied wrongdoing and he believed leaving officer would not be in FIFA’s best interest. His lawyer said he was cooperating with Swiss police.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-10-03

[stevenl]

Top FIFA sponsors demand Sepp Blatter quits immediately

Major football sponsors are demanding the immediate resignation of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Companies that have long linked their brand names to the game, such as Visa, Coca Cola and McDonald’s, are among those calling for Blatter to step down.

It is the biggest move by companies supporting the sport since a bribery and corruption scandal erupted at world football’s governing body last May.

“The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership,” read an emailed statement from McDonald’s. “We believe it would be in the best interest of the game of the FIFA President Sepp Blatter to step down immediately so that the reform process can proceed with the credibility that is needed.”

The move by sponsors come just one week after Swiss authorities said they opened a criminal investigation into Blatter on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation of funds.

Blatter has denied wrongdoing and he believed leaving officer would not be in FIFA’s best interest. His lawyer said he was cooperating with Swiss police.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-10-03

They can demand what they want, they're powerless.

[SheungWan]

Quite frankly FIFA should be dissolved and a new institution formed. Blatter has driven FIFA into the ground and unless he is forced out before Feb the nonsense will continue. We are already seeing that Platini is up to his neck in it as well.

[Thongkorn]

He should not be requested to leave, he should be Booted out the door and told he is leaving.

[hhinhh]

We all can do something: I boycott all FIFA sponsors consequently because I do not want one single cent or Baht from my pocket going to these Mafia members!!!

[stevenl]

He should not be requested to leave, he should be Booted out the door and told he is leaving.

And who should do the booting, the same persons who are receiving envelopes from him?

[Bignose]

Even if he was not personally involved in the widespread corruption (which I personally find impossible to believe) then at the very least he was aware of it, corruption, cronyism and nepotism are endemic and permeate to the very top of the management structure.

He must go immediately, either voluntarily or be sacked.

FIFA is an already damaged and tainted marque, for this selfish and narcissistic person to remain may damage the sports image terminally.

It was obvious after the recent election (that Blatter only won by the benefit of bought and paid for votes) that his declared delayed resignation was all about "damage limitation" for himself and his cohorts, he couldn't go immediately as he needed time to cover his tracks.

The major sponsors must now ramp up the pressure on this organization to ensure there is an effective and thorough clean out to the very highest level, "The Beautiful Game" deserves no less...

[anon4546543]

Corruption is like rust. This old mafiosi is not on his own, he has a whole network that supports him. All for their own gain, not the game. I suggest that these corrupt men have allowed their tentacles to reach into players, referees and administration. Shut it down. Will it happen? No. Unless every supporter demands it.

[Ghostnigel]

Just imagine if Platini takes his place, he will just be a younger version of Septic Bladder....God help football if he gets in.

[anon4546543]

The sponsers will only quit on all of this corruption if you, a loyal supporter object. They are part of the problem, not part of the solution. Attack the sponsers as they did with child labour in Asia with the sports footwear and so on and you will get some result. Not a really good result, but they will back off from Big Old Blatter and his cronies. And then they will install some other well paid Mr Big and his cronies. It is one big circle

[nahkit]

Top FIFA sponsors demand Sepp Blatter quits immediately

Major football sponsors are demanding the immediate resignation of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Companies that have long linked their brand names to the game, such as Visa, Coca Cola and McDonald’s, are among those calling for Blatter to step down.

It is the biggest move by companies supporting the sport since a bribery and corruption scandal erupted at world football’s governing body last May.

“The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership,” read an emailed statement from McDonald’s. “We believe it would be in the best interest of the game of the FIFA President Sepp Blatter to step down immediately so that the reform process can proceed with the credibility that is needed.”

The move by sponsors come just one week after Swiss authorities said they opened a criminal investigation into Blatter on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation of funds.

Blatter has denied wrongdoing and he believed leaving officer would not be in FIFA’s best interest. His lawyer said he was cooperating with Swiss police.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-10-03

They can demand what they want, they're powerless.

They can withdraw their sponsorship, the top six sponsors paid roughly $30m a year each to Fifa for the last World Cup 'cycle' (i.e. 4 years).

I wouldn't call that powerless.

[stevenl]

Top FIFA sponsors demand Sepp Blatter quits immediately

Major football sponsors are demanding the immediate resignation of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Companies that have long linked their brand names to the game, such as Visa, Coca Cola and McDonald’s, are among those calling for Blatter to step down.

It is the biggest move by companies supporting the sport since a bribery and corruption scandal erupted at world football’s governing body last May.

“The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership,” read an emailed statement from McDonald’s. “We believe it would be in the best interest of the game of the FIFA President Sepp Blatter to step down immediately so that the reform process can proceed with the credibility that is needed.”

The move by sponsors come just one week after Swiss authorities said they opened a criminal investigation into Blatter on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation of funds.

Blatter has denied wrongdoing and he believed leaving officer would not be in FIFA’s best interest. His lawyer said he was cooperating with Swiss police.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-10-03

They can demand what they want, they're powerless.

They can withdraw their sponsorship, the top six sponsors paid roughly $30m a year each to Fifa for the last World Cup 'cycle' (i.e. 4 years).

I wouldn't call that powerless.

There are contracts, they'd be sued for a hell of a lot more than they're paying.

[Basil B]

Isn't there a financial interest to stay? Under his employment contract, as long as he remains head of FIFA, FIFA has to pay his legal fees.

If he resigns he will be stuck with a multi million euro defense cost, right?

Well if he does not go then FIFA will have no money to pay his legal fees

FIFA is morally bankrupt and if the sponsors stop bankrolling this corrupt organisation it will be financially bankrupt in days.

[mrfill]

Isn't there a financial interest to stay? Under his employment contract, as long as he remains head of FIFA, FIFA has to pay his legal fees.

If he resigns he will be stuck with a multi million euro defense cost, right?

Well if he does not go then FIFA will have no money to pay his legal fees

FIFA is morally bankrupt and if the sponsors stop bankrolling this corrupt organisation it will be financially bankrupt in days.

Is FIFA more or less morally bankrupt than Coca-cola, McDonalds and VISA?

[SheungWan]

Isn't there a financial interest to stay? Under his employment contract, as long as he remains head of FIFA, FIFA has to pay his legal fees.

If he resigns he will be stuck with a multi million euro defense cost, right?

Well if he does not go then FIFA will have no money to pay his legal fees

FIFA is morally bankrupt and if the sponsors stop bankrolling this corrupt organisation it will be financially bankrupt in days.

Is FIFA more or less morally bankrupt than Coca-cola, McDonalds and VISA?

The charge is not moral bankruptcy. It is chargeable criminal actions.

[craigt3365]

Several sponsors have already backed out. There are clauses in their contracts that "could" allow them to back out due to criminal investigations, but it will involve a lot of expensive litigation. But entirely possible.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/23/fifa-lose-three-sponsors-castrol-continental-tyres-johnson-and-johnson