By Joke Kujenya
FIFA HAS announced it will award winner’s rings to the champions of Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium, marking the first time the tournament will feature championship jewellery for its winners.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that exactly 2,026 rings will be produced, with 30 reserved for members of the winning team and coaching staff. The remaining 1,996 rings will be released as official collector’s editions for fans.
Each ring will be part of a strictly limited edition of individually numbered pieces and will feature the World Cup trophy, customised with the colours and identity of the nation crowned world champions.
The presentation ceremony will be attended by US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to present the World Cup trophy itself.
FIFA has historically awarded gold medals to World Cup winners, making the introduction of championship rings a first in the tournament’s history.
A total of 30 exclusive rings will be made available to the newly crowned world champions, while a further 1,996 replica rings will go on sale to supporters looking to own a piece of history.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously teased Trump’s attendance, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has officially confirmed that Trump will be in the VIP suites for the final.
Trump has not attended any of the 102 World Cup matches played so far, including the United States fixtures before the host nation was knocked out by Belgium in the round of 16.
The relationship between Infantino and Trump has also drawn attention after the US President personally telephoned the FIFA chief to lobby for a review of the red card handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun earlier in the tournament.
FIFA is also monitoring atmospheric conditions after a weather warning was issued for the New York and New Jersey area over poor air quality caused by ongoing wildfires in Canada. Officials have insisted there is currently no suggestion the match at MetLife Stadium will be delayed or affected.
—
