Ancient and modern touch for 2009 logo

UEFA has unveiled its new visual identity for the 2009 UEFA Champions League final in Rome, a design that combines today's competition trophy with the ancient Roman symbol of victory, a laurel wreath.


Ancient and modern Rome
Wreaths were worn by victorious emperors as they rode through the streets of Ancient Rome in carriages drawn by white horses, and have a special place in the city's history. Framing the main elements of the design is a stylised portrait of Rome's famous landmark, the Colosseum. Taken together, the different parts of the new identity reflect the city's history, architectural heritage and passion for football.

On paper and the web
The identity will appear in promotional material, tickets and web banners. It will also be supplied to all the official sponsors of the UEFA Champions League for use in publicity material and activities ahead of the final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Wednesday 27 May. Produced by the London-based graphic design and branding agency Radiant, its objective is to help promote the final and enhance the prestige of one of the world's biggest sporting events.

Dramatic screening at the Colosseum
Unveiled at a morning news conference in the Palazzo Senatorio on Rome's Campidoglio hill, the design will be presented to the city and its residents later in the day in dramatic style, as it is projected on to the Colosseum from 18.30CET.

Worldwide audience
Tickets for the final, the last to be held in midweek, will go on sale from 16 February. The match will be watched by a television audience of some 150 million people in more than 230 countries and territories.

Lăcătuş steps aside as Steaua coach

Marius Lăcătuş has resigned as coach of FC Steaua Bucureşti in the wake of Tuesday's 5-3 UEFA Champions League home defeat against Olympique Lyonnais, saying: "Unfortunately, I could not bring out better performances."


Angry response
Steaua led 2-0 and 3-2 against Lyon before coming unstuck at the Steaua Stadium. They are bottom of Group F with one point from three games and face away fixtures against French champions Lyon and German counterparts FC Bayern München in their next two ties. Steaua owner George Becali hit out at Lăcătuş after the game, saying: "I said that I would never sack Lăcătuş and I will respect my promise, so I will leave him alone until he drowns."

Calm decision
Lăcătuş, 44, responded by handing in his resignation. "I have decided to quit," he said. "It was a good year, but obviously it could have been better. Unfortunately, I could not bring out better performances. Anyway, it's been an experience and maybe I will learn from the mistakes I made. I am leaving, because I don't see things getting better. It's better for me to leave than for the players to suffer and be under extra pressure."

Shaky form
The former FC Braşov, Steaua, ACF Fiorentina, Real Oviedo and FC National Bucureşti forward was appointed as the club's coach in October 2007 following spells in charge at National, Braşov, FC Otelul Galaţi and FCM UTA Arad. A European Champion Clubs' Cup and UEFA Super Cup winner with Steaua in 1986, he led his side to a runners-up finish in the Romanian league last season, and resigns with the team third in the table, but without a win in their last three league games. The club have yet to name a replacement coach.