With the Jules Rimet Cup now in the permanent
possession of Brazil after their third World Cup, triumph in Mexico City in
1970, F.I.F.A. commissioned a new trophy for the tenth World Cup in 1974. A
total of 53 designs were submitted to F.I.F.A. by experts from seven countries,
but the choice soon fell on the work of the Italian, Silvio Gazzaniga.
The current F.I.F.A. World Cup Trophy cannot be won outright, as the regulations
state that it shall remain F.I.F.A’s own possession. The World Cup winners
retain it until the next tournament and are awarded a replica, gold plated
rather than solid gold.
The new trophy is 36cm high, made of solid 18-carat gold and weighs 4,970
grammes. The base contains two layers of semi –precious malachite. The base
contains room for 17 small plaques bearing the name of the winners – space
enough for the World Champions until the year 2038.
F.I.F.A. World Cup Trophy