Like the guy who tries to break up a fight after the police have already arrived, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola have finally decided that enough is enough and called for Sepp Blatter to immediately step down as FIFA president. Because they both just happened to Google Blatter’s name for the first time last night.
McDonald’s says:
The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership. 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.
And Coke (via the Guardian):
Coca-Cola, one of five top-tier Fifa global partners, said: “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. Fifa needs comprehensive and urgent reform, and that can only be accomplished through a truly independent approach.”
These long overdue statements come A FULL WEEK after Swiss authorities charged Blatter with suspicion of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation of funds. Naturally, Blatter, who is due to vacate his office in February, has told McDonald’s and Coca-Cola to go fuck themselves.
Breaking: Full statement from Sepp Blatter’s lawyer on calls from Coca Cola and McDonalds to step down immediately. pic.twitter.com/As3y91c0Lj
— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) October 2, 2015
Welp, it was worth a try. But at least McDonald’s and Coke’s hands are clean now.
UPDATE: InBev decided they want a piece of this last second face-saving mission, too.
Budweiser parent AB InBev joins sponsors’ calls for FIFA Chief Sepp Blatter’s resignation — CNBC Now (@CNBCnow) October 2, 2015
“Hey guys, wait for me!” — Visa
Update – FIFA sponsor Visa has joined Coca-Cola and McDonald’s in calling on Sepp Blatter to immediately step down as #FIFA president
— Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) October 2, 2015
I’m guessing those four are part of the “top-tier sponsors.” If so, who’s the 5th?
Actually, FIFA’s website lists five top level partners: Adidas, Coke, Hyundai/Kia, Gazprom, and Visa. McDonald’s are InBev are second tier.
Should I be shocked that FIFA’s website actually lists all their sponsors and what level they are?
seriously. do they not see how corporate shill like they come off as?
Thanks Brooks for this article. Great hypocrisy from the sponsors. They are only interested in money and their image not the welfare of football so now that is clear that blatters ship is sinking it’s time to bail. As for Blatter the dictator, I hope his trial is fast tracked
So much bullshit. Most Americans don’t care about football, er, soccer, unless it involves a pair of tits. Or David Beckhams wife. Well, you know what I mean….
OR is this a conspiracy by two USA corporations to massively promote football, I mean soccer, as the AWESOME sport that it is? Fine. Just don’t invite here Sunderland next summer. I hate those guys.