New trophy for 143-year-old FA Cup

The winning captain in Saturday’s FA Cup final between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium will be presented with a brand new trophy, the Football Association revealed on Friday.

Wigan Athletic’s English owner Dave Whelan (R) and Wigan Athletic’s Spanish manager Roberto Martinez (L) hold the FA Cup after their team won the English FA Cup final football match between Manchester City and Wigan Athletic at Wembley Stadium in London on May 11, 2013. (AFP/Ian Kington)

A new version of the famous trophy, awarded to the winners of the world’s oldest knockout competition, has been made by silversmiths Thomas Lyte of London.

The trophy has been replaced only twice before, in 1911 and 1992. The new model is an exact replica of the 1911 version.

“This is an historic moment in the proud 143-year history of the FA Cup,” said FA general secretary Alex Horne in a press release.

“The current trophy is fragile and is too delicate to continue to repair, so must be retired for these reasons.

“However, it will remain cherished and will forever be an integral part of the FA Cup’s rich history, having been lifted by the likes of Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell, Steven Gerrard and Tony Adams.”

The 1992 trophy is due to remain in the FA’s possession at Wembley.

Source AFP

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