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 FIFA told its partners it was committed to reform and transparency
but would not comment further on the meeting which it described as
"internal."
"During the meeting, FIFA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency,
reform, and collaboration with its valued partners," said a
statement. "No further comment will be made on the internal
discussions between the parties."
FIFA said that AB InBev, Adidas, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Visa were
present.
The sponsors said in a joint statement: "FIFA provided the sponsors
with updates on several topics. During this meeting, we reiterated
our expectations for robust reform, and we will continue to engage
with FIFA."
A security guard was placed on the entrance to FIFA's headquarters,
situated at the edge of an affluent hillside suburb, to prevent
anyone from entering the grounds without an appointment.
On most days, visitors can walk straight into the building and go to
reception.
FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said last month that the
sponsors had written asking for information about what was being
done to clean up governance of the sport and offering to meet
soccer's ruling body.
Valcke's announcement came after Coca-Cola and Visa publicly urged
FIFA to support the creation of an independent body to reform the
way it is run.
McDonald's said it had told FIFA that its internal controls and
compliance culture were not consistent with the expectations it had
for its business partners.
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FIFA was thrown into turmoil in May when U.S. prosecutors indicted
nine soccer officials, most of whom had FIFA positions, and five
marketing and broadcasting company executives over a range of
alleged offences.
The charges included fraud, money-laundering and racketeering.
FIFA has set up a new Reform Committee, headed by former
International Olympic Committee (IOC) director general Francois
Carrard.
However, critics say it lacks independence as it is made up mostly
of members of the continental confederations who also elect the
members of the executive committee.
The executive committee is, itself, one of the main targets for
reforms.
(Editing by Clare Lovell and Ken Ferris)
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