Toronto had a moment Monday that brought to mind a classic movie scene. Mayor Olivia Chow gathered a crowd in Nathan Phillips Square to unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy, making its first appearance in the city as Toronto prepares to host six World Cup games. But when the cover was removed, the reaction was more muted than expected.
The trophy, a 14.5-inch, 13.61-pound gold sculpture of two hands holding the world, seemed small compared to the grand build-up. For Canadians, the standard is the Stanley Cup, which stands nearly three feet tall and weighs 34.6 pounds. The contrast was stark.
This is not the first time a championship trophy has been in Toronto. The city has seen the World Series trophy, the Larry O'Brien NBA trophy, the MLS Cup, the Grey Cup, and the Calder Cup. All are larger and more impressive than the FIFA trophy.
Despite the underwhelming reveal, over 13,000 tickets were snapped up online for a chance to see the trophy. The FIFA World Cup trophy tour continues across Canada, but for many Torontonians, the real prize remains the Stanley Cup.
Perhaps FIFA could take a cue from Canada and redesign their trophy. Until then, the joke remains: That's not a cup. This is a cup.
