Georgia‘s national soccer team, managed by former French defender Willy Sagnol, has received a generous offer from the country’s billionaire ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. After Georgia’s historic 2-0 victory over Portugal in the group stage of the European Championship, Ivanishvili announced he would donate an additional $10.5 million (30 million Georgian Lari) to the squad and coaching staff if they can also defeat Spain in the round of 16.
Ivanishvili, who founded the ruling Georgian Dream political party and briefly served as Prime Minister in 2012, described the win against Portugal as a “historic and dream victory” for the country. The 68-year-old billionaire, whose net worth is estimated at around $4.8 billion, made his fortune in Russia in the 1990s through investments in banking, computers, and metals.
The donations will come from Ivanishvili’s charitable foundation, even though he stepped down as Prime Minister after just 12 months in office. However, he still maintains influence within the Georgian Dream party as its honorary chairman.
Georgia’s Euro 2024 squad has faced some political challenges in recent months, with several players speaking out against the Georgian Dream party after the announcement of a controversial “foreign agents” law. The law, enacted in June, sparked large protests in Georgia as critics argued it threatened civil liberties.
Despite these domestic tensions, Georgia’s national team is making history at the European Championship, competing in the tournament for the first time. They will face Spain in the round of 16 on Sunday, June 25, at 8 pm BST in Cologne. Ivanishvili’s generous offer provides further motivation for the squad as they aim to continue their impressive run in the competition.
