Portuguese police announced on Tuesday that the UEFA Champions League trophy, stolen from Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade, has been recovered. The theft took place during a league match between Sporting Lisbon and Vitoria Guimaraes on Saturday, but authorities were not notified until the following day.
According to a police statement, several individuals wearing balaclavas forced open a gate in the stadium’s garage, where the trophy and other UEFA equipment were being stored. The Estadio Jose Alvalade is set to host the tournament’s final on May 24.
Police confirmed that the stolen items, including the trophy, have now been returned to European football’s governing body. Thirteen suspects have been identified, though officials did not provide details about the operation that led to the recovery.
The trophy in question was the Women’s Champions League trophy, which will be contested in the upcoming final between holders Barcelona and Arsenal. The investigation remains ongoing, with police expecting to recover more items and make further arrests in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Men’s Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germaine (PSG) and Internazionale or Inter Milan will take place on June 1 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
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