Emirates joins sponsors in voicing concern over Fifa crisis

Emirates airline has joined other Fifa tournament sponsors in expressing its concern over the corruption allegations that are rocking world football’s governing body.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is facing mounting pressure after fresh waves of allegations, including accusations that Qatar bought the right to stage the 2022 World Cup, hit the Zurich-based organisation.

Adidas and Coca-Cola, two other major sponsors of Fifa competitions, had already voiced their concerns over the negative publicity surrounding the governing body.

“Emirates, like all football fans around the world, is disappointed with the issues that are currently surrounding the administration of the sport,” the airline said in a statement to Reuters.

“We hope that these issues will be resolved as soon as possible and the outcome will be in the interest of the game and sport in general.”

Earlier, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said: “The current allegations being raised are distressing and bad for the sport. We have every expectation that Fifa will resolve this situation in an expedient and thorough manner.”

And an Adidas spokesman added: “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.”

Fifa vice-president Jack Warner and former presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam were suspended on Sunday by the governing body’s ethics committee, pending the outcome of an inquiry into allegations they paid officials $40,000 (£24,500) each in bribes.

Warner responded by making claims against Blatter and Fifa general secretary Jerôme Valcke on Monday.