DOHA: The FIFA World Cup Trophy arrives Thursday in Qatar for three days, followed by a Middle Eastern tour as part of its 267-day world tour planned to visit 90 countries.

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 Saturday 14^thDecember 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™.

The tour was officially launched in Brazil on September 12th, 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 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.

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 organize 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 the 14^th of December 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 & 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.”

Antoine Tayyar, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Middle East, comments:“Coca-Colashares 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.”

FIFA Ambassador Gabriel Calderon, former Argentinian International 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.”