The 2018 FIFA World Cup Trophy arrived at the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Saturday, February 24. The tour powered by Coca Cola makes an appearance in Addis for the first time in 8 years. The F.D.R.E. President Dr. Mulatu Teshome received the World Cup at a ceremony held at the National Palace. The tour in Africa commenced on Thursday at Sudanese capital Khartoum.
Apart from President Dr. Mualtu, Minster of Youth and Sport Erestu Yiredaw, Ethiopian Football Federation President Juneidi Basha, East African Bottling Company S.C. managing director Xavier Selga and FIFA Zurich marketing manager Lucas Racho attended the ceremony. President Dr. Mulatu noted in his keynote speech that the return of the trophy to Ethiopia is a huge honor. “The FIFA World Cup has intrigued millions of fans and we all should be satisfied that Ethiopia is among the 10 African countries that has been selected for the tour. The moment to see the Cup is once in a life time opportunity.”
Mr. Selga on his part alluded that his Coca Cola is delighted to bring back the World Cup to Addis Ababa after 2010. “It is an honor for us to bring the trophy to Ethiopia following 8 years. We want Ethiopians to test the feeling of the World Cup trophy. I hope this could inspire the younger generation in the process.”
Mr. Erestu and Junedi have also stated it is a privilege to host the trophy in Ethiopia and send out their gratitude towards the organizers FIFA and Coca Cola. The trophy tour will be staying in Addis until February 25. The tour will kick off at Hilton Addis on Sunday at 8:00 AM likewise will be open for the public till 6 PM.
