JEDDAH — The FIFA World Cup trophy will make its way to Riyadh on Dec. 9 as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. This tour is an exclusive initiative from Coca-Cola whereby the trophy travels around several markets, allowing millions of people a chance to revel in its glory and experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup in their own communities, building up the anticipation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio de Janeiro. Coca-Cola is one of the longest-standing corporate partners of FIFA, with a formal association since 1974 and an official sponsorship of FIFA World Cup that began in 1978. This is the third time Coca-Cola and FIFA have come together to bring the Trophy Tour to the World, starting in 2006 and then again in 2010. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour began as a way to facilitate the opportunity to bring football fans up close to one of the most iconic symbols in football. The tour is a moving exhibition of the authentic, solid gold FIFA World Cup trophy which spreads happiness as it goes along, as thousands of lucky fans get to not only see the trophy, but also have their photos taken with it with the Coca-Cola ‘Fan Zone' experience. This ticket-only event will taking place at Prince Faisal Sports Complex, Riyadh, on Dec. 11 offering fans and media the chance to live the ultimate football experience as well as look back to the history and magic of the FIFA World Cup. Families would be able to attend the Fan Zone from 10 a.m.-4.30 p.m. and singles from 5.30-10 p.m. This will be the largest and longest global tour of the FIFA World Cup Trophy by Coca Cola, spanning over 92,000 miles and visiting 89 countries during its nine-month journey. The tour will also be visiting 50 new countries that have never had the opportunity to host the trophy before. The tour was officially launched in Brazil on Sept. 12, before visiting the Pacific Islands, Central America and the Caribbean. Following its visit to Saudi Arabia, the trophy will travel on to other Middle Eastern countries, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, then Europe and South America before finishing its tour in April in Brazil, ahead of the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament. Antoine Tayyar, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Middle East, said: “Coca-Cola shares the passion that fans have for football around the world and through our partnership with FIFA we champion the power of football to bring the world together. We are thrilled to be able to bring the most coveted prize in world football to the Middle East, for what we are sure will be a memorable experience for thousands of fans.” FIFA Ambassador Gabriel Calderon, former Argentinian International said: “The FIFA World Cup Trophy is a symbol of sporting prowess, bringing great nations together to celebrate the beautiful game. I am excited to be a part of the excitement of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour and look forward to being in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to witness the delight of football fans here.” — SG
