Portuguese police have recovered the Women’s Champions League trophy after it was stolen from a stadium in Lisbon ahead of the final match between Barcelona and Arsenal.
The trophy went missing on Saturday, May 17, during a league game between Sporting Lisbon and Vitoria Guimaraes at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, which will host the final on May 24. However, the theft was not reported to the police until the next day.
In a statement released on Tuesday, May 20, the police said, “Several individuals wearing balaclavas forced open a gate in the stadium’s garage,” where the trophy and other UEFA equipment were kept.
A police spokesman confirmed to AFP that all stolen items, including the trophy, have now been returned to UEFA.
The police added that they have identified 13 suspects linked to the theft, though no details were given about how the items were recovered.
Investigations are still ongoing, and more arrests are expected.
The incident happened just days before the highly anticipated final of the Women’s Champions League, drawing concern from fans and officials.
Despite the scare, UEFA has confirmed that the match between defending champions Barcelona and English side Arsenal will go ahead as planned.
