Moscow greets new final ball

Red and gold
At Manezhnay Square in the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Kremlin, UEFA General Secretary David Taylor, German football great Franz Beckenbauer, UEFA Champions League final ambassador Rinat Dasaev, and Football Union of Russia (RFS) president Vitaly Mutko unveiled the red and gold adidas ball for the UEFA Champions League final.

Impressive backdrop
A 2.5 metre high replica of the adidas Finale Moscow was presented to the citizens of Moscow in front of an impressive backdrop. A red-and-gold silk cloth measuring 200 square metres veiled the giant-sized match ball, an original-sized football goal and 300 match balls, several of which were distributed to the Moscow public directly after the event – with the majority being donated to local schools.

First final
The Russian capital is hosting its first UEFA Champions League final, which will be the first official fixture to feature the adidas Finale Moscow. Subsequently, the winner of the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League will use the ball in all their home games during the 2008/09 season in Europe's blue-riband club competition.

Star ball logo
The design of the adidas Finale Moscow is based on the widely recognisable UEFA Champions League star ball logo. Tied in with the UEFA campaign for the final in Moscow, the colours of the new match ball are dominated by dark red stars with golden detailing. The adidas designers took their inspiration in particular from the colours of Red Square, the Kremlin and the gold domes of Moscow's numerous cathedrals.

Host city elements
Just as for the ball for the 2007 final – the Finale Athens – well-known colours and elements of the host city are incorporated into the design of the 2008 match ball, highlighting the standing of the most important game for European club teams. The adidas Finale Moscow is available for retail worldwide.