McDonald’s and Coca-Cola tell Blatter to go

Coca-Cola and McDonald’s say he must step down immediately.

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, who is due to stand down in February 2016, is the subject of a criminal investigation.

Last week the Swiss, 79, said he would not stand down before February despite the 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 persistently been dogged by claims of corruption and financial mismanagement over the bidding processes for FIFA tournaments.