Budweiser, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Visa have each issued statements saying Blatter should quit his role after criminal proceedings were opened against him last week.

The 79-year-old is accused by Swiss prosecutors of criminal mismanagement or misappropriation over a television rights deal he signed with former Caribbean Football Union chief Jack Warner in 2005.

He is also suspected of making "a disloyal payment" in 2011 of CHF 2 million (£1.3 million/$2.1 million/€1.8 million) to current UEFA President and FIFA presidential candidate Michel Platini for work allegedly carried out by the Frenchman between 1999 and 2002.

Blatter has already confirmed that he will stand down in February but the sponsors want him to go now.

"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," read a statement from the American drinks giant, one of five top-tier FIFA global partners.

"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."

In an emailed statement, second-tier sponsor McDonald's added: "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."

Budweiser's parent company, AB InBev, said it considered Blatter’s continued presence "to be an obstacle in the reform process", while VISA claims it would be in "the best interests of FIFA and the sport" for the Swiss to resign immediately.

But Blatter, who denies any wrongdoing, says he will not be vacating FIFA’s top job early.  

"While Coca-Cola is a valued sponsor of FIFA, Mr. Blatter respectfully disagrees with its position and believes firmly that leaving office now would not be in the best interest of FIFA nor would it advance the process of reform and therefore, he will not resign," said Blatter's United States-based lawyer Richard Cullen in a statement.

English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke described the latest developments as a "game-changer".

"It doesn't matter what Mr. Blatter says now, if the people who pay for FIFA want a change they will get a change," he added.

"What is important is that it isn't just about Mr. Blatter standing down, it's about making sure there is a comprehensive and effective reform programme.

"So for those of us who want fundamental change this is good news."

Blatter announced his decision to stand down as FIFA President in June, following a series of arrests of high-level FIFA officials in Zurich.

Nine FIFA officials and five corporate executives have been indicted in the US and charged with offences including money laundering, racketeering and wire fraud.

Elections to replace Blatter are scheduled for February 26 at FIFA's Executive Committee's Extraordinary Congress in Zurich.  



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