The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour has made its stop in Addis Ababa today as part of its global tour sponserd by Coca-Cola.
Tourism and Culture Minister Kejela Merdasa accorded both a warm welcome at Addis Ababa Bole international airport.
The trophy arrived here accompanied by former World Cup winner, Brazilian Julian Belleti.
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the trophy is traveling to 51 countries around the world.
It has today started its two-day long tour in Ethiopia, the first of the nine African countries the trophy is scheduled to visit.
According to its schedule, the trophy will first head to the National Palace where it will be handed over to President Sahle-work Zewde.
Ethiopian football fans will then have opportunities to see the trophy in person in Meskel Square and other designated places in the capital on Wednesday, officials say.
The FIFA World Cup™ is an iconic competition followed by billions around the world. This year, it will take place in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.
About the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cup while remaining in FIFA’s possession.
Made of solid gold and weighing 6.142kg, the trophy depicts two human figures holding the globe aloft. Its current design dates back to 1974.
As one of the most recognised sports symbols in the world and a priceless icon, the original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy can only be touched and held by a very select group of people, which includes former winners of the FIFA World Cup™ and heads of state.
Because regulations state that the original trophy must remain in FIFA’s possession and cannot be won outright, the team winning the FIFA World Cup™ retains the authentic trophy temporarily and is then permanently awarded the tournament edition trophy, the FIFA World Cup™ Winner’s Trophy.
The tournament edition trophy is gold-plated, rather than solid gold, and engraved with the year, host country and winners of the respective event.
