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Controversy at Fifa could have an impact on the organisation's commercial interests
Sponsors associated with
Fifa have expressed concern at the damage allegations of corruption are
causing world football's governing body.
Coca-Cola and Adidas have voiced worries over the
controversy, despite Fifa president Sepp Blatter stating that the
organisation is not in crisis.But a Coca-Cola spokesperson said: "The current allegations being raised are distressing and bad for the sport."
Fellow sponsors Visa and Emirates are keeping a distance from the row.
Blatter is expected to be re-elected to his post unopposed after rival candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), withdrew of the race to govern Fifa.
In the lead up to the 1 June vote which there have been calls to postpone, Bin Hammam has been provisionally suspended by Fifa's ethics committee over allegations that financial incentives were offered to Caribbean Football Union members.
There have also been bribery claims over the bidding process to host 2022 World Cup tournament, which will be held in Qatar.
"We have every expectation that Fifa will resolve this situation in an expedient and thorough manner," added the Coca-Cola spokesperson.
An Adidas spokesman said: "Adidas enjoys a long-term, close and successful partnership with Fifa that we are looking forward to continuing.
"Adidas will be an official sponsor of Fifa World Cup 2014 in Brazil.
"Having said that, the negative tenor of the public debate around Fifa at the moment is neither good for football nor for Fifa and its partners."
More to follow.
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