Antoine Tayyar, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Middle East, speaks at a press conference yesterday. He is flanked by QFA Director of Marketing and Communications Khalid al-Kuwari (L) and Qatar 2022 Director or Marketing and Communications Nasser al-Khater.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
The FIFA World Cup trophy will make its way to Qatar on December 12 as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola.
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.
The Coca-Cola Company 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. Coca- Cola is a long-time supporter of football on all levels. This is the third time that 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 by Coca-Cola 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 be taking place in Doha on December 14 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.
This will be the largest and longest global tour of the FIFA World Cup Trophy, 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 September 12, before visiting the Pacific Islands, Central America and the Caribbean. Following its visit to Qatar, the trophy will finish it’s time in the Middle East in the United Arab Emirates, before moving on to Europe and South America and finally ending up 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.”
Khalid al-Kuwari, Director of Marketing and Communications, Qatar Football Association (QFA), said: “We are extremely happy to have the FIFA World Cup Trophy visit Qatar next week and spread joy and excitement in our country. The trophy tour is a momentous event, and will be an unforgettable one for everyone, not just football fans.
“QFA, Q22 and Coca Cola have worked continuously in the last period to organise numerous events for the 3 day tour, all in aim to offer fans a memorable experience. There will be a fan zone in Aspire Dome and Aspire Park on December 14 and we invite everyone to come to enjoy the fun-filled day that features many activities including the chance to see and take pictures with the iconic trophy.
“Just as this iconic trophy brings fans from around the world together, we believe that football can break down cultural barriers by bringing the world to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar for the first time in the Middle East,” said Nasser al-Khater, Communications and Marketing Director of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee.
“We are very excited to be a meaningful stop on the trophy’s world tour as both a host country, but also as a nation that embodies the power football can have on development in our country, the region and the world.”
FIFA Ambassador and former Argentinian International Gabriel Calderon says: “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 Qatar to witness the delight of football fans here.”
