UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour 2012 becomes global

015 - Mexico, Tanzania, Kenya and China on itinerary for sixth tour

Football fans from three different continents have the chance to see the world-famous UEFA Champions League trophy in real life when it goes on tour this March and April.

The 2012 UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour is presented for the sixth consecutive year by Heineken, a UEFA Champions League partner, and will give football enthusiasts in Mexico, Africa and China the chance to see and get up close to the famous trophy. The trophy has now become a true global icon representing the excellence of the UEFA Champions League worldwide and for all the world’s greatest players playing at club level, the trophy symbolises the ultimate achievement in European club football.

The trophy’s first destination in this year’s UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour is Mexico City, before it moves on to Guadalajara. The trophy will then start its African journey travelling from Dar es Salaam to Mombasa and Nairobi and will end its tour in Shanghai, China.

This year three internationally renowned football legends will accompany the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour acting as UEFA ambassadors; two-time UEFA Champions League winner, Christian Karembeu in Mexico, Chelsea FC former legend Celestine Babayaro in Kenya and Dutch footballing hero Ronald de Boer in China.

In addition, Heineken are also bringing two legendary ambassadors; former Manchester United FC goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar in Mexico and Dutch legend Ruud Gullit in Kenya and China.

The full schedule of the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour 2012 presented by Heineken is as follows:

• Mexico (Mexico City & Guadalajara) 9-18 March

• Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) - 24-27 March

• Kenya (Nairobi & Mombasa) - 28-31 March

• China (Shanghai) - 6-15 April

Commenting on the Trophy Tour, David Taylor, CEO of UEFA Events S.A., said:

“The UEFA Champions League has a long and distinguished heritage and is the pinnacle of European club football. The Trophy Tour really demonstrates the true global reach and appeal of the UEFA Champions League. We are delighted that together with Heineken we can reward the passion and dedication of football fans around the world by taking the trophy to them.”

Hans Erik Tuijt, Heineken’s Brand Activation Manager, commented:

“Each UEFA Champions League season, Heineken strives to ignite fans conversations. This year’s UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour launch brings football fans around the world closer to action in an unexpected and surprising way enabling them to interact with Heineken and the tournament. As we get closer to the final, we will continue to engage with fans by offering legendary experiences.”