by Our Sports Desk

THE Fifa corruption crisis is hurting its search for new World Cup sponsors, secretary general Jerome Valcke admitted yesterday.

Targeting almost £4 billion in revenue from the 2018 tournament, Fifa has not signed any new sponsors since last year’s World Cup in Brazil.

“Definitely the current situation does not help to finalise any new agreement. That is a fact,” Valcke said ahead of today’s qualifying draw.

The first big event for host Russia has brought hundreds of journalists to St Petersburg, offering a natural stage for a sponsorship launch. However, Valcke said no major deals would be completed until Fifa’s future is clearer — after Sepp Blatter is replaced as president next year.

“I’m sure until the election, until the February 26, there will not be major announcements,” Valcke said.

Amid growing frustration with Fifa since May 27, when US and Swiss investigations of alleged bribery and money-laundering were revealed, current sponsors have asked to meet with Fifa management.

Fifa received a letter from sponsors this week and will organise a briefing in August by its lawyers and marketing officials, Valcke said.

Valcke’s comments came 24 hours after Visa said Fifa’s responses to the recent crisis were “wholly inadequate.”

“We believe no meaningful progress can be made under Fifa’s existing leadership,” the United States-based credit card company said on Thursday.

But Blatter is insistent he will remain in position until the election of his successor on February 26 and this week announced a task force to bring in reforms.

Long-time Fifa backer Coca-Cola and second-tier sponsor McDonald’s have also broken ranks from their traditional loyalty by criticising the football body’s handling of bribery allegations.

Two of Fifa’s eight vice-presidents were among 14 football and marketing officials indicted in the United States in May.