A has heaped pressure on football’s organising body to act, with politicians including Labour leader Ed Milliband saying there is an "overwhelming case" for reopening the bidding.
Fifa’s president Sepp Blatter acknowledged the situation on Twitter, but called on critics to wait for an investigation by New York lawyer Michael Garcia, stating, "Never ignoring media reports on ethics allegations in football. But let the Ethics Committee work!"
Never ignoring media reports on ethics allegations in football. But let the Ethics Committee work!
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter)
However, World Cup sponsors – which are believed to contribute around $1.5bn (£900m) to Fifa each year – have now added to the chorus of disapproval, arguing that the "negative tenor" of the revelations is not good for football.
Adidas said in a statement: "We are confident that the matter is being dealt with as a priority. Adidas enjoys a long-term and successful partnership with Fifa that we are looking forward to continue.
"Having said that, the negative tenor of the public debate around Fifa at the moment is neither good for football nor for Fifa and its partners."
Sony, meanwhile, said it expects Fifa to "adhere to its principles" in its handling of the matter: "As a Fifa partner, we expect these allegations to be investigated appropriately. We continue to expect Fifa to adhere to its principles of integrity, ethics and fair play across all aspects of its operation."
Other sponsors such as Castrol-owner BP, Coca-Cola and Visa have all called on the organising body to take "appropriate actions" once Fifa’s own ethics committee report is released.
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