Georgia’s national football team recently made headlines with an unexpected victory over Portugal at Euro 2024. The win not only secured their spot in the knockout stages but also paved the way for an unexpected payday for the players. Billionaire former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, promised to pay out more than $10 million to the team following their triumph over Portugal.
The Georgian team now has the opportunity to double their earnings with another win, this time against Spain in the round of 16. Ivanishvili’s initial offer of 30 million Georgian lari ($10.7m) was contingent on Georgia reaching the knockout stages, a milestone they achieved with their victory over Portugal. The generous bonus will be a welcome surprise for the players who were not widely expected to progress past the group stage in Germany.
Ivanishvili, known for his love of football, has been a prominent figure at some of Georgia’s games during the tournament. The 68-year-old billionaire, estimated to be worth $4.9 billion in 2023 by Forbes, has shown his unwavering support for the national team. His decision to reward the players with a substantial payout demonstrates his passion for the sport and his desire to see Georgia succeed on the international stage.
Following Georgia’s win over Portugal, Ivanishvili confirmed the bonus in a statement broadcasted by Imedi TV. He extended his congratulations to the team for their remarkable achievement, labeling it as their “greatest victory.” The players, who are participating in a major international football tournament for the first time, have exceeded expectations and are now poised to make a name for themselves on the global football scene.
In addition to his involvement in politics and philanthropy, Ivanishvili’s family is also in the spotlight. His son, Bera, is a popular rapper in Georgia, adding another layer of intrigue to their family’s dynamic. With Ivanishvili’s dual citizenship in France and Russia, the billionaire brings a unique perspective and influence to Georgia’s football landscape.
Georgia’s players find themselves on the brink of a significant windfall thanks to Ivanishvili’s generous offer. Their unexpected success at Euro 2024 has not only captured the attention of fans worldwide but has also highlighted the potential for growth and development in Georgian football. As the team prepares to face Spain in the round of 16, they have the opportunity to not only secure their place in the tournament but also to solidify their status as emerging contenders in international football.
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