Coca-Cola and McDonalds ask FIFA Presdient, Sepp Blatter to resign immediately

FIFA President, Sepp Blatter

Coca-Cola has called on FIFA president Sepp Blatter to immediately resign from the position, thereby becoming the first FIFA sponsor who has made the call.

The call from the carbonated soft-drink giant comes just one week after Blatter was placed under criminal investigation by the Swiss authorities.

According to the soft drink company, it 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. FIFA needs comprehensive and urgent reform, and that can only be accomplished through a truly independent approach." Coca Cola said.

In a related development, fast-food giant McDonald's, another key FIFA sponsor, has also said Blatter's resignation would be "in the best interest of the game".

Blatter had said last week, he would not stand down before February 2016, when he is due to stand down, despite the criminal proceedings against him by Swiss authorities.

The FIFA president is accused of signing a contract that was "unfavourable to FIFA" and making a "disloyal payment" to UEFA president Michel Platini.