On Monday 21 September, The Coca-Cola Company and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) will take the world football’s greatest prize, the real solid-gold trophy to 86 countries during a 225-day tour, allowing thousands of fans to enjoy a rare close-up view of the authentic FIFA World Cup™ Trophy, including every nation in Africa.

“The worldwide passion for the sport of football is unrivalled and gives our business the best platform to connect with fans everywhere Coca-Cola does business,” said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, Globally.

The ceremonial start of the tour kicked-off with FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent taking the first steps with the Trophy on its 134,017 kilometer journey. The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy was flown from Zurich to its first stop in Cairo, Egypt on September 24.

Free tickets to the 2009/10 Trophy Tour will be made available to consumers via Coca-Cola promotions in countries the trophy visits.  At events in each city, fans will have the opportunity to have a souvenir photo taken of themselves with the trophy, view a special 3-D movie showcasing memorable moments of the FIFA World Cup, participate in interactive displays, and enjoy all sorts of other entertainment.

On December 2, 2009, the Trophy will arrive in Cape Town, South Africa in time for the FIFA World Cup™ draw. After it has completed its tour of Africa, the Authentic Trophy will then be taken to 31 countries across the globe.