Share

adidas not calling for Blatter's immediate resignation

Berlin - adidas, the German maker of sportswear and equipment and a top FIFA sponsor, declined to join US companies in calling for Sepp Blatter's immediate resignation on Saturday but urged reform of world football.

"As we have frequently stressed in the past, fundamental changes in the interest of football must be made," the company said in a statement.

"That is why the reform process that has begun must continue transparently and quickly."

German Justice Minister Heiko Maas, however, said Blatter should go to clear the way for a new beginning in the sport.

"Every day on which #Blatter is still #FIFA president is a bad day for football," he wrote on Twitter.

In separate statements issued one week after criminal proceedings were launched against the world football chief in Switzerland, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Visa and Budweiser all called on the 79-year-old Blatter to step down.

It marked the first time that FIFA's powerful financial backers - who together have pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into the organisation through deals spanning decades - had called explicitly for Blatter to resign.

In a statement issued by his US lawyer in reaction to the sponsor demands, Blatter defiantly vowed to remain in office.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Lamontville Golden Arrows 0
Royal AM 0
loading... Live
Benetton 0
Dragons 0
loading... Live
Lions 0
Leinster 0
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1781 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE