Sven-Goran Eriksson's memorial sculpture unveiling delayed until 2025
- The unveiling of the memorial sculpture for Sven-Goran Eriksson has been rescheduled to February 14, 2025.
- The decision to postpone was made due to illness among intended attendees for the original ceremony.
- The artist hopes to tour the sculpture across Europe for fans to celebrate Eriksson's legacy.
In Sweden, plans to unveil a memorial sculpture for football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson have been postponed from 2024 to February 14, 2025. The ceremony was originally set to take place in Torsby, Eriksson’s hometown, where family and friends gathered to honor his memory following his death from cancer at the age of 76 in August. The sculpture itself, crafted by Swedish artist Hanna Beling, depicts Eriksson as he looked in his 40s, seated on a manager's bench with a hand raised as if waving to a player. The postponement was prompted by illness among some attendees, which led to concerns about the ceremony being diminished in significance due to a lack of presence from those who wanted to pay their respects. Hanna Beling noted the importance of having a substantial gathering to honor Eriksson and expressed her desire to ensure the unveiling's impact remained profound. After agreeing with Eriksson’s children, Beling decided to wait until the sculpture was complete for the ceremony as a mark of respect. The lifesize sculpture, weighing around 80 kilos, features a hollow design equipped with a unique heating element, allowing it to retain warmth for visitors touching it. The artist’s aim was to capture Eriksson’s spirit and status in the football world through her work, which she engaged with Eriksson during a visit to Torsby the previous June to take his measurements for the piece. The unveiling now aligns with Eriksson’s fondness for Valentine's Day, a day he cherished throughout his life. Once unveiled, Hanna plans to seek approval from authorities in Torsby to take the sculpture on a European tour. This initiative would enable Eriksson's fans from England and Italy, as well as other countries, to see the tribute up close, fostering a connection between his legacy and his admirers. The artist received feedback from Eriksson's family regarding the timing of the unveiling, affirming their collective dedication to presenting a sculpture that would do justice to his memory.