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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Moscow ceremony marks coming of cup

/noticias.info/ The countdown to the UEFA Champions League final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 21 May has gathered further impetus with the trophy handover ceremony in the Russian capital.

Impressive ceremony
In an impressive ceremony at the GUM centre in Moscow's Red Square, the 2007 champions, AC Milan, handed the UEFA Champions League trophy back to UEFA's President, Michel Platini. He then passed the trophy to the Mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, for the city to keep and display to the public until the final.

Distinguished guests
Milan were represented by former player and current technical operations director Leonardo, who helped Brazil win the 1994 FIFA World Cup, together with director Umberto Gandini. Also in attendance were Rinat Dasaev, the former USSR goalkeeper who made his name with FC Spartak Moskva, and the president of the host association, the Football Union of Russia, Vitaly Mutko.

Established tradition
Since 1997, the previous season's champions have formally returned the UEFA Champions League trophy to UEFA at a special ceremony, with the cup then given to the host city to be showcased until the final.

Moscow's expectation
"Moscow has been looking forward to this final for a long time," said Luzhkov. "We attach huge importance to this event and rank it as one of the biggest sporting events in the history of our city. All the citizens of Moscow share this view. I would like emphasise that we are fully prepared for staging the final. Moscow is a city with a great sporting history and huge experience of hosting top international events. It is a city equipped with all the necessary infrastructural tools and resources. I am confident that all those who will be fortunate to visit Moscow to support their teams and enjoy top-class football will experience first hand our renowned hospitality."

City visits
The trophy is due to visit five major Russian football cities: Kazan (19/20 April); Yekaterinburg (21/22 April); Krasnodar (28/29 April); St Petersburg (6/7 May); and Samara (10/11 May). It will return to Moscow for the Champions Festival in Red Square ahead of the game. A celebration party will also enhance the excitement on the eve of the final at the impressive Luzhniki Stadium – a fitting setting for European club football's blue-riband occasion.

Iconic trophy
The aim is to bring Russians closer to the competition, to set the tone for the final, and to offer local fans the opportunity to get close to this iconic prize. The trophy will be exhibited at venues chosen by the municipal authorities. Admission will be free for the public, and visitors will have the chance to have their photo taken with the silverware. notas_de_prensa_archivo