Football News Update: Georgia Stuns Europe, Ivanishvili Pledges £8.4m Reward
Georgia’s Historic Victory at Euro 2024
In a remarkable turn of events, the Georgian national football team has secured a historic victory at Euro 2024, defeating Portugal 2-0 in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday. The team, managed by former French defender Willy Sagnol, has now advanced to the last-16 stage, where they will face Spain.
The triumph against Portugal has been lauded as a “dream victory” by Bidzina Ivanishvili, the former prime minister of Georgia and the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream political party.
Ivanishvili’s £8.4 Million Pledge
In a show of unwavering support, Ivanishvili has pledged to donate £8.4 million (30 million Georgian Lari) to the squad and coaching staff should they also overcome Spain in the upcoming match.
Ivanishvili, whose wealth is estimated by Forbes at around £3.87 billion, stated that the donation will come from his charitable foundation. The 68-year-old businessman, who stepped down as prime minister after just 12 months in office, maintains a significant influence within the country’s ruling party as its honorary chairman.
Georgia’s Impact on the Tournament
The Georgian national team’s historic run at Euro 2024 has captured the attention of football enthusiasts across the continent. Their impressive performance against Portugal, who were widely favored to win, has sent shockwaves through the tournament.
Georgia, who are making their debut appearance at the European Championship, will face Spain in Cologne on Sunday at 8pm BST, with the nation eagerly anticipating another potential upset.
The team’s success has come amidst a backdrop of political tensions in Georgia, as several players from the Euro 2024 squad spoke out against the Georgian Dream party earlier this year following the announcement of a controversial law on “foreign agents.”
As the nation’s football team continues to defy the odds, the pledge of £8.4 million from Ivanishvili serves as a testament to the growing excitement and support surrounding Georgia’s remarkable journey in the tournament.
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