Monday, 20 May 2024

The Journey of the World Cup Trophy

The world holds its breath as Argentina and France prepare to battle it out in the final of the prestigious World Cup. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, leading their respective nations, have overcome numerous challenges to reach this stage. Both teams are on a mission to secure a third World Cup victory for their countries.

France, having triumphed in 2018, is no stranger to the trophy. However, for Argentina, a lot has changed since their last triumph in 1986. The question arises: what happens to the World Cup trophy once it is won?

Do the World Cup winners keep the trophy?

Contrary to popular belief, neither the players nor the winning country get to keep the coveted trophy. Unlike North American leagues that allow players and staff to enjoy personal time with the trophy, FIFA has a different tradition. In fact, the winning country only receives a bronze replica of the trophy, plated in gold, as a keepsake.

World Cup Trophy

Why doesn’t the winning country keep the trophy?

FIFA’s decision not to hand over ownership of the World Cup trophy to the winning country is rooted in security concerns. Over the years, the trophy has become a tempting target for thieves. The first scare came in 1938 when the then Jules Rimet Trophy was hidden under a bed due to the threat of Mussolini and Nazi invasion.

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The trophy’s biggest heist occurred in 1966 ahead of the World Cup in England. It was temporarily lost before a dog named Pickles discovered it in a garden hedge. Though Pickles became a national hero, the incident sparked outrage worldwide. To make matters worse, the original trophy was stolen from the Brazilian Football Confederation in 1983 and never recovered. It is believed to have been melted down and sold for its components.

Where is the World Cup trophy kept between tournaments?

The World Cup trophy finds a safe haven at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. The security surrounding it is extremely tight, and FIFA only permits its removal for certain events. These include the traditional trophy tour before the tournament, the opening match, and, of course, the final to present it to the victorious team.

What do the winning country and players receive?

While the World Cup is a symbol of pride, monetary rewards also await the winners. FIFA allocates a significant amount of prize money from a staggering $440 million fund. The winning country receives $42 million, with the runner-up receiving $30 million. The third and fourth-place teams are awarded $27 million and $25 million, respectively. Even the teams that don’t make it to the top get a share, with the United States leaving Qatar with $13 million.

Moreover, the name of the winning country is engraved, in its native language, on the base of the World Cup trophy housed in Zurich. Players are not left empty-handed either, as they receive medals for their outstanding performances if their team finishes in the top three.

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FAQs

Q: Do the World Cup winners keep the trophy?
A: No, neither the players nor the winning country keep the World Cup trophy. The winning country receives a gold-plated bronze replica of the trophy to keep.

Q: Why doesn’t the winning country keep the World Cup trophy?
A: The decision is based on security concerns. The trophy has been targeted by thieves in the past, prompting FIFA to retain ownership.

Q: Where is the World Cup trophy kept between tournaments?
A: The World Cup trophy is safeguarded at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

Q: What rewards do the winning country and players receive?
A: In addition to the replica trophy, FIFA distributes a substantial amount of prize money. The winning country receives $42 million, and players from the top three teams are awarded medals for their achievements.

Conclusion

As Argentina and France battle it out for World Cup glory, it’s important to remember that the coveted trophy won’t become their permanent possession. The World Cup trophy has a rich history and is stored safely at FIFA headquarters. The winning country receives a gold-plated bronze replica and a significant cash prize, while players are honored with medals. Let’s celebrate this pinnacle of football excellence and the passion it ignites around the world.

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