Welcome to live coverage of FIFA World Cup Trophy's stop in Maldives as its taken on a global tour.
- FIFA World Cup Trophy is the world's most prestigious trophy. The Cocoa-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour will use the original FIFA World Cup Trophy.
- A public event will be held after the trophy is brought to Maldives. Those who receive special coupons by Coca-Cola will have the opportunity to take pictures with the World Cup.
- World Cup Trophy Tour was held ahead of the World Cup in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
- The original World Cup Trophy, as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour will be brought to Maldives this Wednesday. The trophy will be escorted to Maldives by France's World Cup-winning football legend, Christian Karembeu.
09:58
It's important to be at the Maafannu Turf on the time written in the ticket.
People arrive at Maafannu Turf to take pictured with the World Cup trophy on January 25, 2018. (Sun Photo)
09:56
People have queued at the Maafannu Turf to take pictures with the World Cup Trophy.
People wait in queue at Maafannu Turf to take pictured with the World Cup trophy on January 25, 2018. (Sun Photo)
22:20
Inside the FIFA World Cup Trophy showcase at the National Stadium in Maldives on 24 January 2018 - Sun Photo: Fayaz Moosa
21:53
World Cup Trophy photo event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is imperative that ticket holders come to the turf stadium to take pictures on the time allocated for them on their ticket.
21:52
Up next is a special performance by the "Boduberu" (Traditional Drums) group, 1438.
21:45
French football legend, Christian Karembeu and President Yameen has lifted the trophy. President Yameen has become the only Maldivian to touch the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
21:43
President said that sports have been a unifying force in the world and football has always been a sport that brings joy to the world. And as it is being raised, Maldivians should be determined to hold on to the joy it brings and keep the smiles when welcoming people to the country.
21:40
President Yameen has said that the entire country is joyous and proud to have the World Cup Trophy, previously been lifted by football legends such as Zinedine Zidane and Diego Maradona, in the Maldives.
21:36
President Yameen thanked the organizers of the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour on behalf of every citizen of the country and said lifting the World Cup Trophy in the Maldives is a rare opportunity.
21:35
In his speech, the President said that the Maldives an example of a welcoming country and the Maldivians have to maintain that reputation by welcoming all who visits the country.
21:33
Now, President Abdulla Yameen makes his address at the ceremony.
21:31
French football legend, Christian Karembeu, has started his address.
21:28
The FIFA World Cup trophy will be unveiled at the National Stadium in a few minutes.
21:23
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has arrived at the National Stadium.
21:19
The festivities at the National Stadium before unveiling the World Cup Trophy has begun. President Abdulla Yameen is set to join the ceremony.
21:18
A large number of people have already entered the stadium to see the World Cup trophy.
21:17
The FIFA World Cup Trophy has been brought to the National Stadium in Male' City.
20:05
FIFA World Cup Trophy photo event will be held tomorrow at the turf stadium. A special ticket will be required to take pictures with the trophy. The time for the photo event will be on the ticket.
20:04
FIFA World Cup Trophy unveiled at the VIP Lounge of Velana International Airport - Sun Photo
19:56
FIFA World Cup Trophy unveiled at the VIP Lounge of Velana International Airport - Sun Photo: Mohamed Afrah
19:38
Tourism Minister, Moosa Zameer took part in the World Cup Trophy showcase at Velana International Airport.
19:37
FIFA World Cup Trophy unveiled at the VIP Lounge of Velana International Airport - Sun Photo
19:29
VIP Lounge of Velana International Airport has showcased the FIFA World Cup Trophy. The trophy was unveiled by the First Lady, Fathimath Ibrahim and the Christian Karembeu.
19:27
First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim has arrived at the VIP Lounge of the Velana International Airport to welcome the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour.
19:05
Preparations at the VIP lounge to receive the FIFA World Cup Trophy - Sun Photo
18:56
The VIP Lounge of the Velana Internationa Airport is getting ready as preparations are being made to bring the FIFA World Cup Trophy to the ground.
18:46
Updates are available on both Dhivehi and English liveblog by Sun Online along with live coverage on Sun TV. Station Manager at Sun TV, Ali Midhhath and senior journalist, Mohamed Samaah are joined by sports journalist, Shifan Rauf at the Sun TV live coverage. Sports journalist Mohamed Shamoon and photographer, Mohamed Afrah are reporting live from Velana International Airport.
18:41
Despite mild rain at Velana International Airport, employees of the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) are working to continue the festivities.
18:34
Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy flight at Velana International Airport - Sun Photo: Mohamed Afrah
18:30
France's World Cup-winning football legend, Christian Karembeu, on the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour has de-boarded the plane.
18:23
First off the plane inclde the President of the Maldives Olympic Committee, Mohamed Shaveed, President of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), Bassam Adheel Jaleel, CEO of Sun Media Group, Sinaan Ali and the Managning Director of Public Service Media (PSM), Ibrahim Khaleel beside the officials of Coca-Cola. A red carpet welcome was laid out with the traditional drums from the group, 1438.
18:21
Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy flight at Velana International Airport - Sun Photo: Mohamed Afrah
18:14
As the plane landed, the runway sprinkled water on both sides.
18:13
The Coca-Cola flight on the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour has landed at Velana International Airport.
18:05
Traditional drumming group, 1438, is ready at Velana International Airport to welcome the FIFA World Cup Trophy - Sun Photo: Mohamed Afrah
17:52
Inside the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour 2014 in Egypt - Photo: Coca-Cola
17:44
As the landing time closes for the Coca-Cola flight, security has been strengthened at Velana International Airport with the deployment of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
17:38
Velana International Airport prepared to welcome the FIFA World Cup Trophy - Sun Photo: Mohamed Afrah
17:35
Before the World Cup Trophy Tour 2018, a similar tour was done in Russia where over 2223,100 people got the chance to see the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
17:27
Those with tickets to take pictures with the World Cup Trohpy has their allocated time for the photo event on their ticket.
17:19
President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena with the FIFA World Cup - Photo: Coca-Cola
17:14
After the ceremony at the National Stadium tonight, taking pictures with the World Cup Trophy will be open to the public tomorrow. Entrees need to acquire a special ticket to take a picture with the trophy. The photo event will be held at the turf stadium.
17:09
Inside the Coca-Cola's official plane used in the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour 2018 - Sun Photo
17:09
Coca-Cola flight on the World Cup Trophy is set to land at Velana International Airport at 5:45 p.m.
17:03
Members of the Maldivian press delegation traveling on the Coca-Cola flight on the World Cup Trophy Tour at the Colombo Airport with France's World Cup-winning football legend, Christian Karembeu - Sun Photo
17:00
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is set to take part in the special ceremony being held at the Nationa Stadium tonight to display the FIFA World Cup Trophy in the Maldives.
16:58
The special flight for the Coca-Cola FIFA WorldCup Trophy Tour has departed from Sri Lanka, headed to the Maldives.
16:46
The team from Maldives are now on the special plane used by Coca-Cola in the Trophy Tour. The area around the trophy is secured. Only football legends who have won the World Cup and the Chief of States are allowed to touch the trophy, even on the plane.
16:42
The team from Maldives escorting the trophy to Maldives on the flight on January 24, 2018. (Sun Photo)
16:37
Only President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is allowed to touch the World Cup Trophy from Maldives. Special events of the Trophy Tour will be held in Maldives from January 24-25.
16:22
France's football legend, Christian Karembeu will travel with the trophy to Maldives. He was part of France's World Cup winning team of 1998.
16:16
VIPs on the flight with the trophy from Sri Lanka to Maldives includes; President of Maldives Olympic Committee Mohamed Shaveed, President of FAM, Bassam Adheel Jaleel, CEO of Sun Media Group Sinan Ali, Managing Director of Public Service Media Ibrahim Khaleel and key officials from Coca-Cola.
The team from Maldives escorting the trophy to Maldives pose for a picture before getting on the flight on January 24, 2018. (Sun Photo)
16:13
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is currently in Sri Lanka. The special flight which will transport the trophy is being readied.
09:58
It's important to be at the Maafannu Turf on the time written in the ticket.
People arrive at Maafannu Turf to take pictured with the World Cup trophy on January 25, 2018. (Sun Photo)
09:56
People have queued at the Maafannu Turf to take pictures with the World Cup Trophy.
People wait in queue at Maafannu Turf to take pictured with the World Cup trophy on January 25, 2018. (Sun Photo)
22:20
Inside the FIFA World Cup Trophy showcase at the National Stadium in Maldives on 24 January 2018 - Sun Photo: Fayaz Moosa
21:53
World Cup Trophy photo event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is imperative that ticket holders come to the turf stadium to take pictures on the time allocated for them on their ticket.
21:52
Up next is a special performance by the "Boduberu" (Traditional Drums) group, 1438.
21:45
French football legend, Christian Karembeu and President Yameen has lifted the trophy. President Yameen has become the only Maldivian to touch the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
21:43
President said that sports have been a unifying force in the world and football has always been a sport that brings joy to the world. And as it is being raised, Maldivians should be determined to hold on to the joy it brings and keep the smiles when welcoming people to the country.
21:40
President Yameen has said that the entire country is joyous and proud to have the World Cup Trophy, previously been lifted by football legends such as Zinedine Zidane and Diego Maradona, in the Maldives.
21:36
President Yameen thanked the organizers of the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour on behalf of every citizen of the country and said lifting the World Cup Trophy in the Maldives is a rare opportunity.
21:35
In his speech, the President said that the Maldives an example of a welcoming country and the Maldivians have to maintain that reputation by welcoming all who visits the country.
21:33
Now, President Abdulla Yameen makes his address at the ceremony.
21:31
French football legend, Christian Karembeu, has started his address.
21:28
The FIFA World Cup trophy will be unveiled at the National Stadium in a few minutes.
21:23
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has arrived at the National Stadium.
21:19
The festivities at the National Stadium before unveiling the World Cup Trophy has begun. President Abdulla Yameen is set to join the ceremony.
21:18
A large number of people have already entered the stadium to see the World Cup trophy.
21:17
The FIFA World Cup Trophy has been brought to the National Stadium in Male' City.
20:05
FIFA World Cup Trophy photo event will be held tomorrow at the turf stadium. A special ticket will be required to take pictures with the trophy. The time for the photo event will be on the ticket.
20:04
FIFA World Cup Trophy unveiled at the VIP Lounge of Velana International Airport - Sun Photo
19:56
FIFA World Cup Trophy unveiled at the VIP Lounge of Velana International Airport - Sun Photo: Mohamed Afrah
19:38
Tourism Minister, Moosa Zameer took part in the World Cup Trophy showcase at Velana International Airport.
19:37
FIFA World Cup Trophy unveiled at the VIP Lounge of Velana International Airport - Sun Photo
19:29
VIP Lounge of Velana International Airport has showcased the FIFA World Cup Trophy. The trophy was unveiled by the First Lady, Fathimath Ibrahim and the Christian Karembeu.
19:27
First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim has arrived at the VIP Lounge of the Velana International Airport to welcome the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour.
19:05
Preparations at the VIP lounge to receive the FIFA World Cup Trophy - Sun Photo
18:56
The VIP Lounge of the Velana Internationa Airport is getting ready as preparations are being made to bring the FIFA World Cup Trophy to the ground.
18:46
Updates are available on both Dhivehi and English liveblog by Sun Online along with live coverage on Sun TV. Station Manager at Sun TV, Ali Midhhath and senior journalist, Mohamed Samaah are joined by sports journalist, Shifan Rauf at the Sun TV live coverage. Sports journalist Mohamed Shamoon and photographer, Mohamed Afrah are reporting live from Velana International Airport.
18:41
Despite mild rain at Velana International Airport, employees of the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) are working to continue the festivities.
18:34
Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy flight at Velana International Airport - Sun Photo: Mohamed Afrah
18:30
France's World Cup-winning football legend, Christian Karembeu, on the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour has de-boarded the plane.
18:23
First off the plane inclde the President of the Maldives Olympic Committee, Mohamed Shaveed, President of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), Bassam Adheel Jaleel, CEO of Sun Media Group, Sinaan Ali and the Managning Director of Public Service Media (PSM), Ibrahim Khaleel beside the officials of Coca-Cola. A red carpet welcome was laid out with the traditional drums from the group, 1438.
18:21
Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy flight at Velana International Airport - Sun Photo: Mohamed Afrah
18:14
As the plane landed, the runway sprinkled water on both sides.
18:13
The Coca-Cola flight on the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour has landed at Velana International Airport.
18:05
Traditional drumming group, 1438, is ready at Velana International Airport to welcome the FIFA World Cup Trophy - Sun Photo: Mohamed Afrah
17:52
Inside the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour 2014 in Egypt - Photo: Coca-Cola
17:44
As the landing time closes for the Coca-Cola flight, security has been strengthened at Velana International Airport with the deployment of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
17:38
Velana International Airport prepared to welcome the FIFA World Cup Trophy - Sun Photo: Mohamed Afrah
17:35
Before the World Cup Trophy Tour 2018, a similar tour was done in Russia where over 2223,100 people got the chance to see the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
17:27
Those with tickets to take pictures with the World Cup Trohpy has their allocated time for the photo event on their ticket.
17:19
President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena with the FIFA World Cup - Photo: Coca-Cola
17:14
After the ceremony at the National Stadium tonight, taking pictures with the World Cup Trophy will be open to the public tomorrow. Entrees need to acquire a special ticket to take a picture with the trophy. The photo event will be held at the turf stadium.
17:09
Inside the Coca-Cola's official plane used in the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour 2018 - Sun Photo
17:09
Coca-Cola flight on the World Cup Trophy is set to land at Velana International Airport at 5:45 p.m.
17:03
Members of the Maldivian press delegation traveling on the Coca-Cola flight on the World Cup Trophy Tour at the Colombo Airport with France's World Cup-winning football legend, Christian Karembeu - Sun Photo
17:00
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is set to take part in the special ceremony being held at the Nationa Stadium tonight to display the FIFA World Cup Trophy in the Maldives.
16:58
The special flight for the Coca-Cola FIFA WorldCup Trophy Tour has departed from Sri Lanka, headed to the Maldives.
16:46
The team from Maldives are now on the special plane used by Coca-Cola in the Trophy Tour. The area around the trophy is secured. Only football legends who have won the World Cup and the Chief of States are allowed to touch the trophy, even on the plane.
16:42
The team from Maldives escorting the trophy to Maldives on the flight on January 24, 2018. (Sun Photo)
16:37
Only President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is allowed to touch the World Cup Trophy from Maldives. Special events of the Trophy Tour will be held in Maldives from January 24-25.
16:22
France's football legend, Christian Karembeu will travel with the trophy to Maldives. He was part of France's World Cup winning team of 1998.
16:16
VIPs on the flight with the trophy from Sri Lanka to Maldives includes; President of Maldives Olympic Committee Mohamed Shaveed, President of FAM, Bassam Adheel Jaleel, CEO of Sun Media Group Sinan Ali, Managing Director of Public Service Media Ibrahim Khaleel and key officials from Coca-Cola.
The team from Maldives escorting the trophy to Maldives pose for a picture before getting on the flight on January 24, 2018. (Sun Photo)
16:13
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is currently in Sri Lanka. The special flight which will transport the trophy is being readied.
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