FIFA World Cup trophy arrives

Accra, Oct. 5, GNA - The FIFA Coca-Cola World Cup trophy, the world football's greatest prize is expected to arrive in Ghana on Wednesday, October 14 for an expected thrilling two-day trophy tour. The tour, arranged by FIFA and beverage producers, Coca-Cola Company Limited will take the solid-gold trophy to a tour of 86 countries during its 225-day journey.

A statement signed by Muhtar Kent, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Company Limited said the tour is to allow thousands of fans enjoy a rare close-up view of the authentic FIFA World Cup trophy which will travel 134,017 kilometres and visit every nation in Africa. "I am especially thrilled that the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour takes place in all 54 nations in Africa and this opportunity is thus afforded to all African football fans. None of this would have been possible without a strong and loyal partner such as Coca-Cola.

"Our programmes to support the 2010 FIFA World Cup, such as the Trophy Tour, will leave a lifelong impression on consumers that help to reinforce loyalty and preference for our business and our brands." The ceremonial start of the tour was held on September 1 in Zurich with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO, Kent accompanying the trophy on the first steps of its journey. Already, the prestigious trophy has been to Cairo, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania and Cape Verde.

This is the second time in four years that the most cherished prize in world football is making a trip to Ghana. Ghana's Black Stars are also the first African team apart from hosts South Africa to qualify for the event to be staged on African soil for the first time come 2010. 05 Oct. 09