Brazilian coach and 2002 World Cup winner Juliano Belletti places the World Cup trophy on a pedestal in the Lebanese capital Beirut on June 5, as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. AFP
The World Cup Trophy is to pass through Cambodia for the first time on June 15, touching down at Phnom Penh International Airport at 9am, and then be taken to the Peace Palace in the capital.
The trophy will then be exhibited at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar district for the public to view and take photos of until 10pm with a live concert.
The arrival of the iconic 6.1kg gold trophy comes as the Kingdom gears up to host the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) – the 32nd edition of the regional multisport extravaganza – for the first time next year.
Vath Chamroeun – secretary-general of both the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee – said on June 7 that “the June 15 parade of the FIFA World Cup Trophy is a reflection of the peace and development of Cambodia”.
Chamroeun made the remarks after a meeting held under the presidency of Minister of Tourism and NOCC President Thong Khon.
The meeting with stakeholders and representatives of Cambodia Beverage Co, Ltd (Coca-Cola) on June 7 came in preparation for the trophy parade as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola.
The Cambodian national team are to participate in the parade as the global spotlight is shone on the Kingdom’s football scene.
The World Cup Trophy is made of pure gold weighing 6.1kg, and its tour – to celebrate the 2022 World Cup finals tournament in Qatar – will stop in 51 countries and territories, including Cambodia next week, Chamroeun said.
Set to have a positive impact and provide attractions around the world, the FIFA World Cup parade is similar in scope to the Olympic Torch relay.
“The trophy weighs only 6.1kg, but it is valued at up to $200 million and it connects the values of humanity across the whole planet, and the values of football to the world.
“The FIFA World Cup Trophy parade will enhance the Kingdom’s prestige on the international stage. It will also reflect the reality of Cambodia’s situation regarding peace and development, as well as demonstrate safety, security and good order as the trophy is protected.
“It will be a great honour for the heads of states and government of each nation, and help raise the prestige of that country, to receive the World Cup Trophy Tour. With the tour passing through providing support for football, our football players will be part of this gathering,” Chamroeun told local media.
Chamroeun emphasised that the NOCC, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Football Federation of Cambodia and all relevant institutions will do their best to promote the historic parade and ensure it runs smoothly and safely.
“This is a great opportunity to mobilise more international support at the time the Kingdom of Cambodia is to host the SEA Games for the first time in history. So what we are trying to do now is to complement the meaning of the journey towards hosting the 2023 SEA Games successfully,” he said.
Chamroeun noted that Prime Minister Hun Sen has approved and authorised the national sports body to organise the parade of the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the NOCC’s request.
At the June 7 meeting, Khon instructed all involved in the parade to prepare the necessary arrangements in terms of security, order, procession and protocol.
