The coveted trophy yesterday arrived in Thailand, the final destination of its Asian Tour sponsored by Heineken. The trophy has travelled to thrill the fans in four cities - Tokyo, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

The presence of the trophy is certain to fuel Champions League fever in Thailand where Europe's elite club competition is growing rapidly in popularity. The top-flight tournament, formerly known as the European Cup, reportedly is followed by more than 5 million Thai fans who have viewed more than 200 hours of Europe's premier club event on free TV and a further 200 hours on pay television this season.

Although Thai fans are the last to get a glimpse of the prestigious trophy, other people on its odyssey must be feeling jealous as it will be in Thailand for two weeks, the longest stay of the tour, and will be displayed at two different places.

This weekend, Bangkok fans will get the first chance to get up close with the trophy as it will be shown at Central World Square from noon to 10pm.

Upcountry fans will get their turn next week when the trophy will be taken to Pattaya where it will be displayed from Friday to Sunday between noon and 10pm at Central Festival.

To have a chance to have your photo taken with the trophy, fans can register online as a member of Hei-Society at www.heinekenthai.com or buy Heineken products to get a coded entrance wrist band. Without that, fans will not get a chance to take their pictures with the trophy.