FIFA sponsors call for Sepp Blatter's immediate resignation

McDonald's joined calls on Friday for FIFA President Sepp Blatter to resign immediately after Swiss authorities said they had opened a criminal investigation into the head of the world soccer body.

"The events of recent weeks have continued to diminish the reputation of FIFA and public confidence in its leadership," the company said in an emailed statement.

The fast food giant's comment came after the Coca-Cola made the same plea for Blatter to step down, increasing pressure on the organization to make changes at the top.

Blatter, 79, had said last week that he would not stand down before February despite the criminal proceedings being opened against him by Swiss prosecutors.

He is accused of signing a contract that was "unfavourable to Fifa" and making a "disloyal payment" to Uefa president Michel Platini.