Castrol, Continental Tire and Johnson & Johnson -- "three of FIFA's biggest sponsors" -- on Thursday night revealed that they "had joined Sony and Emirates in abandoning [soccer's] beleaguered world governing body," according to Ben Rumsby of the London TELEGRAPH. Each brand confirmed that they "severed their ties" with FIFA "when their contracts expired last year." The withdrawal of support from five of the world’s "most recognisable brands represents a huge blow to the finances of FIFA." None of the five sponsors that have left "has openly cited its numerous crises as being a reason for walking away, but the departure of so many in quick succession inevitably raises questions about whether FIFA has become toxic." Second-tier FIFA sponsors Castrol, Continental and J&J "slipped away more quietly" than Sony and Emirates, "each only confirming their departure when contacted" by the newspaper (London TELEGRAPH, 1/23). The GUARDIAN's Owen Gibson notes Continental Tire had been a World Cup sponsor since '10, Castrol since '08 and J&J "signed a deal for a single cycle" in '11. J&J's decision not to renew "will increase fears" at FIFA HQ that its image is "becoming unsuitable for global brands and will force its commercial department to look more to regional sponsors to fill the roster." Those campaigning for reform at FIFA "have long argued it is only through pressure from sponsors and broadcasters, who pour money into its coffers, that enough pressure will build to force fundamental change" (GUARDIAN, 1/23).
STILL SIGNIFICANT BACKING: In London, Oliver Kay writes FIFA President Sepp Blatter "is set to be re-elected as president in May for a fifth term, but the loss of key sponsorship deals will increase questions about the viability of the brand after the many scandals during his presidency." Still, FIFA "has huge backing from, among others, Coca-Cola, adidas, Visa and Gazprom, the Russian oil company, which will be among the commercial partners" for the '18 World Cup in Russia. Kay: "Significantly, too, Emirates was replaced as a FIFA sponsor by Qatar Airways, with a nod to the 2022 finals" (LONDON TIMES, 1/23).
