Visa join calls for FIFA action on corruption

LONDON - Credit card giant Visa on Sunday added its voice to major sponsors demanding action by football's governing body FIFA over allegations of corruption in giving the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

Sony and Adidas have already called on FIFA to thoroughly investigate allegations of bribes paid to support Qatar's bid for the tournament. FIFA investigator Michael Garcia has said he will finish his inquiry on Tuesday and his report by mid-July.

"Visa does not take part in the administration of sport," said a statment released by the group.

"Our expectation remains that all of our partners maintain strong ethical standards and operate with transparency.

"We understand FIFA is taking this matter seriously and we will continue to monitor its internal investigation. We expect FIFA will take the appropriate actions to respond to the report and its recommendations."

Qatar has strongly denied allegations reported by The Sunday Times newspaper that former Qatar football boss Mohamed Bin Hammam paid more than $5 million in bribes to win support ahead of the 2010 vote on the 2018 and 2022 hosts of the World Cup.