Blatter Must Go, Says FIFA Sponsors

FIFA President, Sepp Blatter

Coca-Cola and McDonald's have called for Sepp Blatter to step down immediately as Fifa president.

American drinks company Coca-Cola said: "Every day that passes Fifa's image and reputation continues to tarnish."

Fast-food chain McDonald's, also a key Fifa sponsor, said Blatter's resignation would be "in the best interest of the game".

Blatter was last week placed under criminal investigation by Swiss authorities but denies any wrongdoing.

In a statement released through his lawyers on Friday, the Swiss, 79, said he "will not resign".

Blatter was re-elected Fifa president in May, but the vote overshadowed by arrests and corruption allegations and he later announced he would be stepping down in February.

Last week Blatter said he would not stand down before the next Fifa executive committee meeting despite criminal proceedings being opened against him by Swiss prosecutors.

He is accused of signing a contract that was "unfavourable to Fifa" and making a "disloyal payment" to Uefa president Michel Platini.

Blatter has said the 2011 £1.5m payment made to Platini, the head of European football's governing body, was "valid compensation and nothing more".

Platini, 60, has said he received the payment for work as Blatter's technical advisor between 1999 and 2002 and has written a letter to Uefa members denying any wrongdoing.