The visual identity for the 2009 UEFA Cup final, to be played at the Sükrü Saraçoglu Stadium in Istanbul on Wednesday 20 May 2009, has been unveiled. The final of the competition has, in recent years, been given a personality of its own via a complete design concept developed especially for the event and this season is no exception.

History captured

The idea behind having a new identity for each final is to develop a specific design featuring the UEFA Cup mixed and the distinctive flavour of the host city, with the objective of helping to promote the final and enhance the prestige of one of the Europe's biggest sporting occasions. This season's concept captures the history, heritage and modern portrayal of Istanbul with a contemporary interpretation of traditional mosaic techniques. Both Ottoman and Byzantium motifs influenced the overall style of the football and stadium icons.

Famous landmarks

The central space within the mosaic pattern is modelled on the shape of the Bosphorus, the legendary waterway which divides the eastern and western halves of the city, but also forms the bridge between two continents, Europe and Asia. Prominence has been given to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, located close to the Bosphorus river. This depiction echoes the route to the final itself, focusing on the meeting of two entities, two continents, two teams.

Ceremonial unveiling

The event design was unveiled at a special ceremony at the Süreyya Opera House today in the presence of senior representatives of the City of Istanbul, UEFA and the Turkish Football Association (TFF). "We feel proud because we can make the name of our city and country heard," said TFF president Mahmut Özgener. "I believe this final will open the door for Turkey to host some bigger events, such as the UEFA European Championship. Our aim is to see at least one Turkish team in the final." Şenes Erzik, UEFA vice-President and honorary TFF President, added: "I am excited and proud. Istanbul has learned from past experiences like the UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Milan in 2005. I can assure people coming to the final that they will received a traditional Turkish welcome next May."

Ticket sales

Details were also given regarding the start of ticketing sales for Turkish citizens via the Turkish FA website. Tickets will go on sale from Friday at 12.00 and end at the same time on 23 January. Fans in Turkey will be able to purchase a maximum of two tickets, with prices ranging from €75 to €130.

UEFA Kupası Finali 2009