Dhaka, December 14:  Fifa World Cup Trophy is set to arrive in Dhaka on 17 December. The Coca-Cola Company, in partnership with Fifa and Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), will be working to organize this 3-day tour of the coveted Fifa World Cup Trophy.This will be the first time that the authentic, solid gold Fifa World Cup Trophy will come to Bangladesh. 

Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, who said he is not a diehard football fan himself but does watch the World Cup final to see his trophy raised, designed the current trophy in 1971. At the time, the trophy cost about US$50,000. Today, the trophy is worth over US$10 million.

Eleven years ago a replica of the 2002 Fifa World Cup Trophy landed in Bangladesh. This year, for the first time the original World Cup trophy will be touring the country, confirmed both the Fifa website and the BFF president yesterday. The trophy will stay in Dhaka from December 17th to 19th. 

The trophy will be displayed at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on December 18 and 19 when the lucky fans will have the opportunity to have a souvenir photo taken of themselves with the trophy, view a special hologram animation showcasing memorable moments of the FIFA World Cup, participate in interactive displays and enjoy other entertainment. 

In a press conference held at the BFF House on Saturday Debashish Deb, the country manager of Coca Cola said they are proud to bring the most recognized trophy of the world in the country. “The Fifa World Cup trophy is not going to every country in the world. It will travel only in 88 countries and Bangladesh is exceptional among them as the silverware will be staying here for three days. In many countries it would be staying for a few hours only,” said Debashish.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) senior vice-president Abdus Salam Murshedy, vice-president Badal Roy and other BFF executive committee members were also present during the press meet.