FIFA Sponsors Consider Position Amid Scandal

By Christian Radnedge

Following yesterday’s news, more of FIFA’s sponsors have carefully reacted to the news in Zurich.

Budweiser, a top sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and a listed sponsor for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, said in a statement: “We continue to closely monitor the situation through our ongoing communications with FIFA.”

But fellow sponsor McDonald’s were more grave in their assessment, saying the allegations were very “concerning”.

A statement from the American company said: “McDonald’s takes matters of ethics and corruption very seriously and the news from the U.S. Dept of Justice is extremely concerning.

“We are in contact with FIFA on this matter. We will continue to monitor the situation very closely.”

Long-time sponsor VISA spoke about their worry in a strong statement:

Our disappointment and concern with FIFA in light of today’s developments is profound. As a sponsor, we expect FIFA to take swift and immediate steps to address these issues within its organization. This starts with rebuilding a culture with strong ethical practices in order to restore the reputation of the games for fans everywhere.

Visa became a sponsor of FIFA because the World Cup is one of the few truly global sporting events with the power to unite people from around the world through a common love of football. Our sponsorship has always focused on supporting the teams, enabling a great fan experience, and inspiring communities to come together and celebrate the spirit of competition and personal achievement – and it is important that FIFA makes changes now, so that the focus remain on these going forward. Should FIFA fail to do so, we have informed them that we will reassess our sponsorship.”

Coca-Cola also released a statement, expressing their concern over the scandal:

“We expect FIFA to continue to address these issues thoroughly. FIFA has stated that it is responding to all requests for information and we are confident it will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities.”

The ongoing crisis, possibly the worst world football’s governing body has ever faced, is of huge concern to brands associated with FIFA as their companies risk being tarnished.

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