TheCable

Leading football sponsors, Coca-Cola and McDonalds have asked Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president to step down immediately.

Blatter, who has be battling to retain his job amid allegations of corruption, initially said he would step aside for a new election as soon as possible, but the sponsors want this immediately.

In a statement released by Coca-Cola on Friday, the company asked Blatter to resign in order to give way for immediate reform at the world football governing body.

“For the benefit of the game, The Coca-Cola Company is calling on FIFA President Joseph Blatter to step down immediately so that a credible and sustainable reform process can begin in earnest,” the statement read in part.

“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.”

McDonalds supported Coca-Cola’s strict stance, saying: “the events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership.”

Both companies, regarded as the longest running sponsors of the FIFA world cup are reported to pay millions of dollars to FIFA for association with the round leather game.