Georgia’s national soccer team made history by upsetting Portugal to qualify for the Euro 2024 last 16. In recognition of this remarkable victory, the founder of Georgia’s ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, announced that he would donate 30 million lari ($10.7 million) to the team from his charitable foundation. Ivanishvili, a billionaire worth $4.9 billion, also pledged an additional 30 million lari if Georgia manages to beat Spain in the last 16 match on Sunday. Born in Georgia, Ivanishvili made his fortune in Russia before founding the Georgian Dream party in 2011 and serving as prime minister for one year.
Despite Georgian Dream’s pro-Western stance and support for joining the EU and NATO, critics have accused the party of having authoritarian and pro-Russian tendencies. The founder, Ivanishvili, is believed to exert influence over the party as its honorary chairman. In April, Ivanishvili gave a rare anti-Western speech in support of a law on “foreign agents” that sparked large protests in Georgia. Some members of the national football team also spoke out against the government, showing support for the protests against the law, which parliament ultimately enacted in June. The billionaire warned against a shadowy cabal trying to drag Georgia into a conflict with Russia.
The victory of the national soccer team against Portugal brought euphoria to Georgia, but the country is still embroiled in polarized politics. On the day following the victory, ruling party lawmakers, many wearing the national team’s shirts, sang a popular football anthem in parliament before passing a controversial “family values” bill that introduces significant curbs on LGBT rights. The political climate in Georgia remains tense, with ongoing debate and opposition surrounding the ruling party’s actions and policies.
Bidzina Ivanishvili’s generous donation to the national soccer team reflects both his personal wealth and his pride in Georgia’s achievement. The support for the team also serves as a symbol of national unity and pride, bringing together a country divided by political and social tensions. The success of the team against Portugal has brought international attention to Georgia and showcased the talent and determination of its players. Ivanishvili’s continued backing of the team demonstrates his commitment to promoting sports and fostering national pride and identity.
The influence of wealthy individuals in politics, such as Ivanishvili, raises questions about the intersection of money, power, and governance. Critics of Georgian Dream point to the party’s ties to influential figures like Ivanishvili as evidence of undemocratic practices and manipulation of the political system. While Ivanishvili’s donation to the national team is a positive gesture, it also highlights the complexities of the relationship between private wealth and public interests in shaping national identity and priorities. The role of billionaires in politics, particularly in emerging democracies like Georgia, is a subject of ongoing debate and scrutiny.
The success of the national soccer team has brought a sense of unity and celebration to Georgia, transcending political divisions and controversies. The team’s victory against Portugal is not only a sporting achievement but also a source of pride and inspiration for the country. The donation from Ivanishvili reflects the broader significance of sports in fostering national identity and cohesion. As Georgia prepares to face Spain in the next round of the Euro 2024, the team’s performance on the field continues to captivate the nation and bring hope for further success. Amidst the political challenges facing Georgia, the triumph of the national team offers a moment of shared joy and celebration for all Georgians.
