![Marcello Baricordi [right] and Karim Beg, Head of Regional Marketing, Visa MENA [left] with the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Winners Trophy](http://www.twentyfoursevennews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Marcello-Baricordi-right-and-Karim-Beg-Head-of-Regional-Marketing-Visa-MENA-left-with-the-2014-FIFA-World-Cup™-Winners-Trophy.jpg)
During the event, the 2014 FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy was displayed on a podium offering all guests a special opportunity to have their pictures taken with the world’s most recognized sports trophy.
The event had a Brazilian carnival atmosphere featuring freestyle footballers, drummers and uniquely Brazilian entertainment for guests to enjoy. Distinctive characteristics of the country’s passion for football and the Brazilian culture – including Samba dancers, Capoeira performers, freestyle footballers and the beat of Brazilian drums – combined in harmony to showcase every aspect of the host country at the unveiling ceremony.
“Visa continues to reinforce and strengthen its commitment towards sports and offers cardholders with memorable and valuable rewards in addition to providing the security and convenience of using their Visa cards,” Marcello Baricordi, General Manager, Visa UAE, said.
“By bringing the 2014 FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy to Dubai, Visa brings football fans in the UAE unprecedented benefits through its proud sponsorship with FIFA. Providing accountholders with exclusive access to these exciting opportunities and offers will help them enjoy and connect with the Middle East’s most beloved sport,” Baricordi, added.
The unique initiative to showcase soccer’s biggest prize was one of several events being hosted by Visa to promote the company’s passion for sport within the GCC. This activation is the start of Visa’s 2014 FIFA World Cup marketing program that will culminate in Visa offering its cardholders the chance to win trips to attend 2014 FIFA World Cup matches in person in Brazil.