SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) — World Cup sponsor Adidas says it is concerned about allegations of corruption at FIFA.
Adidas says in a statement "the negative tenor of the public debate around FIFA at the moment is neither good for football nor for FIFA and its partners."
The World Cup ball provider spoke out following renewed claims of financial wrongdoing linked to Qatari former FIFA board member Mohamed bin Hammam and his country's successful 2022 World Cup hosting bid.
Adidas says it is "confident that the matter is being dealt with as a priority" by FIFA's ethics committee, which is investigating the 2018-2022 hosting contests.
Sponsors rarely comment on FIFA issues, and Adidas is the longest-standing World Cup partner.
Adidas joined FIFA for the 1970 World Cup and recently renewed for four more tournaments through 2030.