Following a surprising victory over Portugal, Georgia’s national football team is set to receive an unexpected payday at Euro 2024. Billionaire former prime minister, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has pledged to pay out more than $10 million to the team as a reward for their accomplishment. This windfall comes after Ivanishvili initially offered the payment of 30m Georgian lari before the tournament, under the condition that Georgia reached the knockout stages.
With the opportunity to double their earnings, Georgia’s players are gearing up for their upcoming match against Spain in the round of 16. The team’s victory over Portugal, with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze, marked one of the biggest upsets in the history of the European Championship. Should Georgia emerge victorious against Spain, they will receive an additional sum equal to the initial payout.
This unexpected turn of events has brought Georgia into the spotlight of major international football tournaments for the first time. Despite minimal expectations of progressing past the group stage, the Georgian team has defied the odds and captured the attention of football fans worldwide. Ivanishvili, a dedicated football enthusiast, has been actively supporting the team during their journey in Germany.
Bidzina Ivanishvili, the philanthropic figure behind this generous offer, is renowned for his contributions to various causes in Georgia. With an estimated net worth of $4.9 billion in 2023, Ivanishvili’s commitment to supporting the country’s football team reflects his passion for the sport and desire to promote success on the international stage. His gesture of rewarding the players for their remarkable achievement signifies a significant moment in Georgian football history.
Beyond his financial support, Ivanishvili’s personal connection to football is evident through his attendance at the team’s games and his engagement with the sport. As a prominent figure in Georgian politics and society, Ivanishvili’s influence extends beyond the realm of football, but his dedication to the success of the national team highlights his commitment to uplifting the country’s sporting reputation. Additionally, Ivanishvili’s family ties to the entertainment industry, with his son Bera being a well-known rapper in Georgia, add a layer of cultural significance to the narrative.
Georgia’s unexpected triumph at Euro 2024 has not only secured a lucrative reward for the team but has also highlighted the unwavering support and generosity of Bidzina Ivanishvili. As the players prepare for their upcoming match against Spain, they carry the hopes and dreams of a nation on their shoulders, driven by the chance to make history once again.