Off you pop! Coca-Cola and McDonald's urge Sepp Blatter to step down as Fifa president

LEADING FIFA sponsors Coca-Cola and McDonalds have demanded Sepp Blatter's immediate resignation as president.

The two companies have issued statements saying reform at world football's scandal-ridden governing body can only take place with its beleaguered leader out of the picture.

Swiss prosecutors last week opened criminal proceedings against the 79-year-old.

Coca-Cola, one of five top-tier FIFA global partners, said: "For the benefit of the game, the Coca-Cola Company is calling for FIFA president Joseph Blatter to step down immediately so that a credible and sustainable reform process can begin in earnest.

PRESSURE: Coca-Cola have demanded Sepp Blatter's immediate resignation

SPONSOR: Coca-Cola are among FIFA's leading sponsors

"Every day that passes, the image and reputation of FIFA continues to tarnish. FIFA needs comprehensive and urgent reform, and that can only be accomplished through a truly independent approach."

McDonalds, a second-tier sponsor, said: "The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership.

"We believe it would be in the best interest of the game for FIFA president Sepp Blatter to step down immediately so that the reform process can proceed with the credibility that is needed."

UNRAVELLING: Swiss prosecutors opened criminal proceedings against Sepp Blatter last week

OUT: McDonalds believe the events surrounding Sepp Blatter are diminish Fifa's reputation

Blatter immediately hit back at Coca-Cola, refusing to resign from his position because it 'would not be in the best interest of FIFA.'

A statement released by his lawyer read: "While Coca Cola is a valued sponsor of FIFA, Mr. Blatter respectfully disagrees with its position and believes firmly that his leaving office now would not be in the best interest of FIFA now would it advance the process of reform and therefore, he will not resign."

FIFA's sponsors pour millions of pounds into the organisation and their public calls for change will turn up the heat on Blatter.