World

FIFA admits scandal puts off sponsors

July 24, 2015 6:15 pm

Fifa has admitted the corruption scandal is putting off new World Cup sponsors and plans to hold a summit with existing backers in August.

Secretary-general Jerome Valcke said: “The current situation doesn’t help to finalise any new agreements.”

Earlier, key sponsor Visa lambasted Fifa for a “lack of awareness” of the seriousness of corruption charges.

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This week, Fifa said it would set up an 11-strong taskforce to examine the issue of corruption.

The August meeting was first suggested by major sponsors, Mr Valcke said.

“Clearly, there were a number of sponsors, mainly three, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Visa, who… sent a letter to Fifa, asking for information,” he said.

“Two or three days ago we received a letter from all of them offering to meet together, so there will there will be a meeting next month.”

Visa chief executive Charlie Scharf on Thursday expressed his concern over the situation, telling investors his payments company sought partnerships with those “who think and act like us”.

He said it tried to hold the highest standards, but did not believe Fifa was living up to those.