Bidzina Ivanishvili Vows £8.4m Gift to Georgian Football Heroes

Bidzina Ivanishvili, former prime minister of Georgia, has pledged £8.4m to the national football team following their victory over Portugal at Euro 2024. Managed by Willy Sagnol, Georgia triumphed 2-0 in Gelsenkirchen, advancing to face Spain in the last-16 stage.

Ivanishvili, founder of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party and prime minister from 2012, hailed the win as a “historic and dream victory.” He announced plans to donate an additional £8.4m (30 million Georgian Lari) to the squad and coaching staff if they also defeat Spain.

Born in Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili built his fortune in Russia during the 1990s through investments in banking, computers, and metals. His wealth, estimated by Forbes at approximately £3.87bn, will fund the donations through his charitable foundation.

Despite resigning as prime minister after a year, Ivanishvili remains influential as the honorary chairman of Georgia’s ruling party. Earlier in April, many players from Georgia’s Euro 2024 squad voiced opposition to the Georgian Dream party over a controversial “foreign agents” law, which sparked significant protests.

Making their debut in the European Championship, Georgia is set to face Spain in Cologne on Sunday at 8pm BST, marking a historic moment for the team and their fans. This match will test Georgia’s newfound momentum after their impressive performance against Portugal.