While the world’s soccer governing body confronts a corruption scandal, sponsorship companies are already making their decision about whether or not to continue supporting FIFA.
In the last few days, Sony has decided to not continue its 10-year sponsorship due to rising costs with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, following the steps of Emirates Airlines. The electronics and entertainment company has spent $277 million in sponsorship.
FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said the decisions by Sony and Emirates Airlines have “nothing to do” with the current allegations the governing body is facing.
An unpublished report by FIFA ethics panel representative Hans-Joachim Eckert states there was no wrongdoing by top members of FIFA, however, American prosecutor Garcia found the report by FIFA ethics panel Eckert as “incomplete and erroneous.”
With no more sponsorship expenses, Sony could focus on the restructuring of the company. Sony’s contract with FIFA ends on December 31, 2014. Though we fans of soccer and gaming may will still see EA FIFA coming to Sony’s consoles, we won’t be seeing the Sony make.believe logo in future editions of the game and in real soccer matches starting in 2015.
[Sources]: TechTimes: FIFA Corruption Scandal Prompts Sponsor Sony to Exit; Nikkei: Sony won’t renew FIFA contract; IGN: Sony balks at renewing FIFA partnership.
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