FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour

The FIFA World Cup is back and bigger than before. One of the world’s most watched sporting events, matches are scheduled to take place from 11 June – 11 July in South Africa, and the excitement is palpable. But if you can’t wait to see your favourite team take to the pitch, then here’s the next best thing: the FIFA World Cup Trophy is coming to town!

The FIFA World Cup Trophy will be on display in KL as part of a whirlwind nine-month-long journey to 83 nations under the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola. The tour began from the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland in late-September last year and has recently arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia after visiting every nation in Africa.

Just so you know, the current trophy is not the first FIFA World Cup Trophy. The first trophy, known as the Jules Rimet Cup, was used from 1930 to 1970. Although Brazil earned the right to keep it permanently after emerging as champions for the third time in Mexico City in 1974, the cup was stolen in 1983 and never recovered.

Hence, the current trophy was commissioned in time for the tenth World Cup in 1974. A change in regulations also means that the current trophy can’t be won outright. The winning team may only retain it until the next tournament whereupon they are awarded a gold-plated replica.

During the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, you will be able to view – but not touch – the real 18-carat solid gold trophy and have your photograph taken alongside the global icon.

You can even enjoy a full-on football extravaganza with celebrity appearances that includes a special commemorative 3D movie by FIFA.

Excited yet? Here are the details:

Date: Friday, 29 January 2010
Time: 10am - 10pm
Venue: Mid Valley Exhibition Centre

The trophy will also be on display at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for the public two hours before its flight for the tour's next stop, Noumea in New Caledonia.

Too bad I'm not in KL :(