WORLD CUP sponsors once again threatened to sever ties with Fifa yesterday after the arrests of nine football officials.

Charges of bribery, fraud and money-laundering were aimed at the Fifa members arrested early Wednesday morning in Zurich, ahead of today’s congress.

Visa, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and a host of important World Cup sponsors all stressed concern and disappointment at the situation, with the FBI launching a full investigation into business deals and the activities of football’s governing body.