About the trophy

The World Cup is a gold trophy that is awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cup. Since the advent of the World Cup in 1930, two trophies have represented victory: the Jules Rimet Trophy from 1930 to 1970, and the FIFA World Cup Trophy from 1974 to the present day. The trophy stands 36.5 cm (14.4 inches) tall and is made of 5 kg (11 lb) of 18 carat (75%) solid gold with a base of 13 cm (5.1 inches) in diameter containing two layers of malachite and weighs 6.175 kg. The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite, while the bottom side bears the engraved year and name of each Fifa World Cup winner since 1974. The winners retain it until the next tournament and are awarded a replica that is gold-plated, rather than solid gold. The world cup has its share of adventures through a hazardous existence. The Italian Fifa Vice-President, Dr Ottorino Barassi, one day hid it in a shoe-box under his bed throughout the Second World War and saved it from falling into the hands of occupying troops. In 1966, the cup disappeared while on display as part of the build-up for the World Cup in England. It was recovered, after it was found buried under a tree by a little dog called Pickles. In 1983, it was stolen again in Rio de Janeiro, and apparently melted down by thieves but the Brazilian Football Association, who had earned the right to keep it after having won it three times, ordered a replica to be made. bonnex10@yahoo.co.uk