Coca-Cola calls for independent commission to look into FIFA

FIFA sponsor Coca-Cola wants an independent group to help with reforms at the embattled governing body.

A corruption scandal rocked FIFA in May, when officials were indicted on charges of racketeering, conspiracy and corruption by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Justice, following a request by United States authorities.

Sponsors are seemingly growing tired of the controversy, with Coca-Cola calling for change.

“We believe that establishing this independent commission will be the most credible way for Fifa to approach its reform process and is necessary to build back the trust it has lost,” the beverage giant said, according to the BBC.

“We are calling for this approach out of our deep commitment to ethics and human rights and in the interest of seeing Fifa succeed.”

Another sponsor, McDonald’s, is also concerned and called for changes to FIFA.

“At McDonald’s, we know our customers around the world are passionate about football, and we share their enthusiasm. That’s why we’ve sponsored the World Cup globally for more than 20 years. But recent allegations and indictments have severely tarnished FIFA in a way that strikes at the very heart of our sponsorship,” the company told Sports Illustrated in a statement.

“As a result, we have expressed our concerns directly to FIFA. We believe FIFA internal controls and compliance culture are inconsistent with expectations McDonald’s has for its business partners throughout the world. We are not satisfied with FIFA’s current handling of the recent incidents that go clearly against McDonald’s culture and values.

“FIFA must now implement meaningful changes to restore trust and credibility with fans and sponsors alike. The world expects concrete actions and so does McDonald’s.”