The trophy will remain with FIFA (10 Mar 2006 19:24 GMT)
The FIFA World Cup trophy will not leave the world body?s headquarters in Zurich even if Argentina, Germany or Brazil lift the title for a third time in Berlin in July.
While Brazil were permanently awarded the Jules Rimet trophy following their third triumph in 1970, the Cup that was commissioned in 1974 cannot be won outright.
FIFA spokesperson Emmanuel Maradas, who is in Kuala Lumpur for the Fifa World Cup trophy Coca-Cola tour, said FIFA regulations state that the trophy made of 18-carat gold shall remain in the world body?s possession.
?The World Cup winners will be awarded a gold-plated replica, that?s all,? said Maradas.
Since Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga was tasked with the job to create a new cup to replace the Jules Rimet trophy in 1974, Brazil, Germany and Argentina have lifted the trophy on two occasions each.
With Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Mueller and Wolfgang Overath playing an integral role, West Germany triumphed in Munich in 1974 before their the combined East and West class of 1990 led by Lothar Matthaeus repeated the feat in Italia?90.
A Mario Kempes-led strikeforce helped Argentina to the Cup in 1978 before Diego Maradona?s one-man show culminated with the title in 1986 while Brazil carried their fifth title and second since 1994 thanks to Ronaldo?s double strike in Japan 2002.
It has also been revealed that the skipper of the winning team in Germany?2006 will be the only player allowed to lay a finger on the much coveted trophy. Immediately after he lifts the Cup before the world, FIFA will present him with the gold-plated replica.
"This decision was made by the FIFA executive committee," said Maradas.
source : The Malay Mail