Former prime minister of Georgia and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream political party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has announced a significant donation of £8.4 million to the Georgian national football team.
This pledge comes in the wake of Georgia’s stunning 2-0 victory over Portugal at Euro 2024, which secured their place in the tournament’s last-16 stage where they will face Spain.
Managed by former French defender Willy Sagnol, the Georgian team’s triumph over Portugal in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday marked what Ivanishvili described as a “historic and dream victory.”
In response to this achievement, Ivanishvili expressed his pride in the team and pledged further financial support.
The 68-year-old philanthropist, who amassed his wealth through investments in banking, computers, and metals primarily in Russia during the 1990s, emphasized that should Georgia advance further by defeating Spain, he would donate an additional £8.4 million (equivalent to 30 million Georgian Lari) to the squad and coaching staff.
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Forbes estimates Ivanishvili’s wealth at approximately £3.87 billion, and the donations will be facilitated through his charitable foundation. Despite resigning from his role as prime minister after just one year, Ivanishvili remains influential as the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party.
The announcement of Ivanishvili’s generous pledge follows recent controversy surrounding the Georgian Dream party.
In April, several players from Georgia’s Euro 2024 squad voiced opposition to a new law on “foreign agents” proposed by the party, which was enacted by parliament in June. This legislation sparked significant protests across Georgia, with critics arguing that it posed a threat to civil liberties.
Georgia, making its debut appearance at the European Championship, is set to face Spain in Cologne on Sunday at 8pm BST.
The upcoming match against Spain presents an opportunity for the Georgian team to continue their impressive run in the tournament, backed by Ivanishvili’s substantial financial commitment aimed at bolstering their performance and morale on the international stage.