FIFA to discuss reforms with World Cup sponsors
July 25, 2015 12:11 MYT
FIFA will meet with its main sponsors in August to discuss the reforms at football's world governing body, general secretary Jerome Valcke has announced.
Since the corruption scandal that rocked FIFA in May, the organisation has come in for criticism from Visa, McDonalds and Coca-Cola - three of its biggest sponsors for the World Cup.
Fourteen people, including nine FIFA officials, were indicted by the United States Department of Justice ahead of the presidential elections for racketeering conspiracy and corruption.
In a statement, Visa threatened to "reassess" its relationship with FIFA, and Valcke confirmed discussions with all the body's partners will take place to deal with any concerns they may have.
"Clearly there were a number of sponsors - Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Visa - who have sent letters to FIFA," Valcke said at a press conference ahead of the World Cup 2018 qualifying draw.
"We sent to all our commercial partners an update, a summary of what has happened within FIFA since 2012 and the first reform process, what has been achieved.
"There will be a meeting next month between the main FIFA partners and FIFA to discuss with them the reform process.
"Definitely the current situation doesn't help us trying to sign new agreements and I'm sure that until the next election there will not be any major announcements, but there are negotiations ongoing around the world."