UEFA Cup handed over to Manchester

Sevilla handover
Spanish outfit Sevilla FC – who have held the trophy for two successive seasons – formally handed the trophy back to UEFA President Michel Platini. The Spanish side were represented by club president José Maria del Nido and players Andrés Palop and Daniel Alves, who helped their team to glory in last season's all-Spanish final against RCD Espanyol in Glasgow.

Manchester safekeeping
Mr Platini then handed the trophy to the City of Manchester, represented by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Glynn Evans, for safekeeping until the final is played on Wednesday 14 May. The trophy will go on display at the Manchester Evening News newspaper, Manchester City FC Museum and the city's town hall in the run-up to the final.

Legend law
UEFA Cup final ambassador Denis Law was also present at the ceremony. Law, a legendary goalscorer in the 1960s and 1970s, enjoys the honour of having played for both Manchester City and Manchester United FC in a glittering career. Together with Councillor Mike Kane, he announced details of the trophy displays over the coming period.

Dates and opening hours
The UEFA Cup will be on display in Manchester as follows:
18 March – 2 April: Manchester Evening News office (foyer) – Mon-Sat 1000-1600
3 April – 1 May: Manchester City FC Museum – Mon-Sat 0930-1630; Sun and Bank Holidays 1100-1500
6 May – 13 May: Manchester Town Hall – Mon-Fri 0900-1700

Popular venue
Initially constructed for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the City of Manchester Stadium was converted for use by Manchester City the following year. It is one of the largest grounds in the English Premier League, as well as a popular venue for concerts. It also hosted England's opening game against Finland at UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ – the crowd of 29,092 remains a finals record.

Exciting activities
The event was launched in December with the unveiling of the 2008 final design, created by the eminent English artist Liam Spencer, and a number of exciting activities are lined up in the weeks to come. Fan festivals are being lined up in Albert Square and Piccadilly Gardens featuring music and entertainment, and further details will be announced shortly. The Manchester 3v3s Street Football Challenge is also involving youngsters in the road to the final. Up to 600 participants will take part in the challenge – primary school boys and girls, disabled youngsters and under-16 boys. The finals will take place in the city centre on the day of the final.