FIFA World Cup trophy to tour S. Korea

FIFA World Cup trophy is to come to Seoul on next Monday as part of its world tour, said Coca-Cola Korea Co., the promoter of the tour, on Thursday.

The trophy will arrive in Seoul on Feb. 27 as part of its tour of 31 cities in 28 nations across the world.

The promoter arranged press conference for the arrival of the cup on next Monday. Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the (South) Korea Football Association, Dick Advocaat, head coach of the country's national football squad, and his assistant coach Hong Myong-bo.

Only 2,000 soccer fans selected by the company will be allowed to attend the public viewing of the cup on Tuesday to be held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in western Seoul.

It is the first time for the real trophy to make an appearance in South Korea.

In 2002, a replica of the cup was put on exhibition in South Korea when the country co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Japan.

The real trophy was displayed in Japan where the final match was held in that year.

The trophy's tour began in January in the African country of Ghana and will end in Rome, Italy, in April. At last, it will stay in Germany, when the country hosts the 2006 World Cup this summer.

Source: Xinhua