Not so long ago, pretty much all of Uefa’s major trophy presentations took place in the middle of the pitch.
However, about ten years ago, this changed. Someone decided to go back to the more traditional presentation method, where the winning team was presented with the trophy in the stands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypqlh4ORIXE
Now though, ahead of next week’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax, Uefa have announced that all of their major trophy presentations will return to the pitch. Purpose-built on-field stages have been prepared for the Europa League final in Stockholm and Cardiff’s Champions League Final, which takes place the following Saturday.
The decision has been taken by Uefa’s President, Aleksander Čeferin and a statement from European football’s governing body claims that the move will give supporters – both in the stadium and watching on the television -a better view of the trophy lifts.
As well as this, Čeferin has explained the symbolic meaning behind the change in trophy presentation format.
“The pitch is the players’ stage and it is only fitting that their achievements are celebrated there,” he said. “It also makes sense that the officials should come down from the stands to the players – to their arena – and pay tribute to them in presenting the trophy and medals on the playing surface.
“Players will also be able to celebrate with their team-mates on the pitch in full view of the fans without the interruption of having to climb up to the stands. Furthermore, all supporters will get a perfect view of the trophy lift wherever they are seated in the stadium.”
Uefa have also confirmed that their switch to on-field trophy presentations will also apply to the Women’s Champions League final and international tournaments, such as the European Championships.
