2012 Trophy Tour goes intercontinental

Football fans from three different continents will have the chance to see the world-famous UEFA Champions League trophy for themselves when it goes on tour this March and April.

The 2012 UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour – which is being presented for the sixth successive year by Heineken, a UEFA Champions League partner – and will give fans in Latin America, Africa and Asia the opportunity to see up close the famous silverware.

The first destination for this year's trophy tour is Mexico – the capital, Mexico City, followed by Guadalajara. The travellling roadshow will then start its African journey, passing from the capital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, to Mombasa and Nairobi in Kenya. Finally, the tour will make Shanghai, China, its last stopover less than a month later.

Three internationally renowned football greats will accompany the exhibition, acting as UEFA ambassadors – two-time UEFA Champions League winner Christian Karembeu in Mexico, former Chelsea FC defender Celestine Babayaro in Kenya, and 1995 European champion Ronald de Boer in China.

In addition, Heineken are also bringing two big-name ambassadors, both notable ex-Dutch internationals – Edwin van der Sar in Mexico, and Ruud Gullit in Kenya and China.

The trophy has become a global sporting icon, representing the excellence of the UEFA Champions League. For the world's greatest players at club level, it also symbolises the ultimate achievement in European football.

The full schedule of the 2012 UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour presented by Heineken is:

• Mexico – Mexico City & Guadalajara – 9–18 March
• Tanzania – Dar es Salaam – 24–27 March
• Kenya – Nairobi & Mombasa – 28–31 March
• China – Shanghai – 6–15 April

David Taylor, CEO of UEFA Events SA, said: "The UEFA Champions League has a long and distinguished heritage and is the pinnacle of European club football. The trophy tour really demonstrates the true global reach and appeal of the UEFA Champions League. We are delighted that together with Heineken we can reward the passion and dedication of football fans around the world by taking the trophy to them."

Hans Erik Tuijt, Heineken's brand activation manager, added: "Each UEFA Champions League season, Heineken strives to ignite fans' conversations. This year's UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour launch brings fans around the world closer to the action, enabling them to interact with Heineken and the tournament. As we get closer to the final, we will continue to engage with fans by offering legendary experiences."