Coca-Cola & McDonald's call for Blatter to stand down as FIFA president

Two of Fifa's longest-serving sponsors Coca-Cola and McDonald's have called for Sepp Blatter to immediately step down from his role as president.

Swiss authorities have begun criminal proceedings against the 79-year-old over allegations of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation, though Blatter has refused to do so after he maintained that he has "done nothing illegal".

"Every day that passes, the image and reputation of Fifa continues to tarnish,” Coca-Cola said in a statement.

“Fifa needs comprehensive and urgent reform, and that can only be accomplished through a truly independent approach.

"[Blatter stepping down] would allow a credible and sustainable reform process to begin [and help the organisation] win back the trust of all who love the sport.”

A separate statement from McDonald's read: "The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of Fifa and public confidence in its leadership."

Fifa recently suspended secretary general Jerome Valcke amid allegations that he tried to profit from inflated World Cup ticket prices,

Meanwhile, Jack Warner, one of several past and present Fifa officials indicted in an FBI investigation in May, has been banned from football-related activities for life.

Current Uefa president Michel Platini and Prince Ali bin Hussein, who lost to Blatter in the 2015 election, are seen as the frontrunners to replace him when elections are held in February 2016, though Brazil legend Zico is also in the race.