UEFA president Lennart Johansson unveiled a draught beer-font shaped man-of-the-match award for the European Championship which starts on Saturday.
Johansson, clutching the silver trophy on board a sailing boat berthed on the banks of the river Douro, said one player in each of the 31 matches would receive the award from a fan.
|
The winners of 31 competitions held in 18 countries around the world have been flown to Portugal and been given the red carpet treatment.
"They will present the award, they will go to the press conferences and will be behind the scenes as well," an official for award sponsors Carlsberg said.
The solid metal design, standing 52 centimetres tall, and slightly resembling the old UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, will be awarded after an Internet-based vote and a decision by UEFA's technical committee.
The winner of a competition in Singapore will present the first award after the opening match between Portugal and Greece.
More from rediff