Athens 2007

[plato-ny]

UEFA has unveiled the new visual identity created for the 2007 UEFA Champions League final in Athens at a special ceremony in the Greek capital.

City Hall ceremony

The event design to be used around the UEFA Champions League final at Athens's Olympic Stadium on 23 May was revealed at the Ceremonies Hall within the City Hall in Kotzia Square. The UEFA Champions League final has, in recent years, been given an identity of its own with a unique logo, a design concept and an overall theme. The objective is to help promote the final and enhance the prestige of one of the world's biggest sporting events.

Specific design

The initial idea that inspired the creation of a new identity for each final was to develop a specific design with a distinctive flavour of the host city. They can be obtained in high-resolution versions by emailing [email protected]. The UEFA Champions League Athens final identity represents the latest stage in promoting a distinct design associated with the host city, while ensuring sponsors are provided with full artwork toolkits.

Variety of perspectives

The sponsor toolkit comprises themed trophy and stadium marks, the visual identity in the original blue colourway, and bespoke colourways in keeping with each sponsor's individual corporate colours. A variety of artwork perspectives are also provided in the sponsor artwork toolkit to support the sponsors in leveraging their sponsorship campaigns in a manner that provides maximum effect.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capital treat in store for Zagorakis

Former Greece captain Theodoros Zagorakis said he was "honoured" to be chosen as the ambassador for the 2007 UEFA Champions League final in Athens, on the day the new visual identity and logo for the event were unveiled at a ceremony in the Greek capital.

Massive honour

"I cannot find words to describe my joy and honour at being chosen as the ambassador for the 2007 final," said Zagorakis. "Athens and Greece have proved in the past that we have the ability to organise such prestigious events with great success, so I'm sure this will happen again next May." Zagorakis, who won 119 caps for Greece and led the team to glory at UEFA EURO 2004™, was one of many distinguished sporting personalities present as the design for the final on 23 May 2007 was revealed at the Ceremonies Hall within the City Hall in Kotzia square.

Ancient inspiration

The PAOK FC midfielder was impressed with the designs, which were inspired by the patterns of ancient Greek labyrinths and the colours of his country's flag - blue and white. "The logo designs are spectacular and I'm sure we will see a fantastic game here on 23 May," he said. The UEFA Champions League final has, in recent years, been given an identity of its own with a unique logo, a design concept and an overall theme - with the objective being to help promote the event and enhance the prestige of one of the world's biggest sporting occasions.

Difficult call

FC Barcelona defeated Arsenal FC 2-1 in a thrilling match in Paris to win the 2006 UEFA Champions League, and when asked if he thought these two sides could reach the final again next May, Zagorakis told uefa.com: "It is a UEFA Champions League final so it could produce some surprises, but it's difficult to say who will reach the final," he said. "It is a very big tournament which is fantastically organised by UEFA and the one thing I'm sure of is that the two teams who end up in Athens will be the two best teams."

Stadium refit

Since hosting the 1994 UEFA Champions League final, which saw AC Milan beat Barcelona 4-0, the Athens Olympic stadium has had a dramatic facelift for the 2004 Olympic Games. The mayor of Athens, Theodoris Behrakis, said the city had a venue to be extremely proud of. "Athens welcomes the honour of hosting the UEFA Champions League final," he said. "Our city has continued to improve since the 2004 Olympics and we have a wonderful stadium to showcase the final of the greatest club competition in Europe."

'Like no other'

Greece's sports minister Georgios Orfanos said: "We are delighted because Athens will host the stars who light up European football. UEFA as an organisation and the Greek government will ensure the final will be a success." Hellenic Football Federation president Vassilis Gagatsis added: "We want the final to be like no other in history, and for that reason we need the support of all the Greek people so we can prove to everyone that when we want something, we can achieve it."