Moscow ceremony marks coming of cup

The countdown to the UEFA Champions League final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 21 May has gathered further impetus with the trophy handover ceremony in the Russian capital.

Impressive ceremony
In an impressive ceremony at the GUM centre in Moscow's Red Square, the 2007 champions, AC Milan, handed the UEFA Champions League trophy back to UEFA's President, Michel Platini. He then passed the trophy to the Mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, for the city to keep and display to the public until the final.

Distinguished guests
Milan were represented by former player and current technical operations director Leonardo, who helped Brazil win the 1994 FIFA World Cup, together with director Umberto Gandini. Also in attendance were Rinat Dasaev, the former USSR goalkeeper who made his name with FC Spartak Moskva, and the president of the host association, the Football Union of Russia, Vitaly Mutko.

Established tradition
Since 1997, the previous season's champions have formally returned the UEFA Champions League trophy to UEFA at a special ceremony, with the cup then given to the host city to be showcased until the final.