McDonald's Execs Mull Ending FIFA Deal Over Ethical Concerns With Russia World Cup

McDonald's execs have "discussed a possible withdrawal from their sponsorship of FIFA due to ethical concerns" with the next year's World Cup in Russia, according to Adam Crafton of the London DAILY MAIL. McDonald's has sponsored the World Cup since '94, but has been "increasingly critical of the governing body's approach." McDonald's has concerns that sponsors "could be tarnished by ongoing investigations into corruption." McDonald's on Saturday publicly insisted that they "remain committed as sponsors." However, a source indicated there is "around a 40 per cent chance" that the company could pull the plug ahead of the '18 event in Russia. The QSR reportedly pays FIFA between $10-25M a year. Its existing deal runs until '22 and it is "believed that McDonald's would have to pay more than $100M to break off from their agreement." The development "comes on the back of McDonald's decision" to end its 41-year sponsorship with the IOC last month, three years ahead of schedule (London DAILY MAIL, 7/9).