Anonymous, the global group of hackers and activists, is intending to hack sponsors and partner websites of the 2014 World Cup following critisicm of the financial burden of the competition to Brazil.

Anonymous has specifically identified Adidas, Emirates the airline, Coca-Cola and Budweiser as targets. High profile automotive partners include Kia, Hyundai, Castrol and Continental were not highlighted but could also be under threat.

Radware, an IT protection company, has said the attacks will likely come as “denial-of-service attacks” on affiliated websites which can shut down partner company websites.

Members of Anonymous are believed to be taking action against the Brazilian government and the World Cup due to its anger at the cost of the competition to taxpayers.

Radware has urged World Cup partners to monitor their IT security closely in the lead up to the start of the competition on June 12.