ZURICH -- FIFA sponsors Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Visa and Anheuser-Busch all called on Friday for Sepp Blatter to resign his position immediately, though the FIFA president quickly rejected the demands.

The first interventions come a week after Blatter was placed under criminal investigation by the Swiss authorities for alleged financial wrongdoing at FIFA, which he has led since 1998.

The 79-year-old Swiss told FIFA staff earlier this week he's determined to remain in power until February's emergency presidential election, but pressure from sponsors who fund the organisation could force him out before then.

Coca-Cola was first to ask Blatter to step down on Friday night.

"For the benefit of the game, the Coca-Cola Company is calling for FIFA president Joseph Blatter to step down immediately so that a credible and sustainable reform process can begin in earnest,'' the statement said.

"Every day that passes, the image and reputation of FIFA continues to tarnish. FIFA needs comprehensive and urgent reform, and that can only be accomplished through a truly independent approach.''

Blatter has denied all wrongdoing and on Friday night reinforced his stance that he would not be stepping down straight away.