The Cartu charity foundation, founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, has pledged 30 million GEL to the national football team should it emerge victorious from the European Championship subgroup. This commitment comes in the wake of the team's historic triumph, although Cartu only released the statement today, nearly a month after the event. The pledge follows statements made by national team players expressing opposition to the Russian Law and endorsing Georgia's European integration efforts.
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"The Georgian national football team has brought immense joy to every Georgian by qualifying for the European Championship. This achievement, which represents the realization of generations' dreams, is the result of the tremendous effort of each player, member of the coaching staff, and everyone involved in football.
That is why, to bolster the football team's motivation further, the Cartu Foundation will award the team 30 million GEL for winning the European Championship subgroup. Additionally, following their victory in the subgroup, the Cartu Foundation will reward the national team with an additional 30 million GEL for each subsequent match won," stated the Ivanishvili Foundation.
Just a few days after the football team's victory, Georgian Dream reintroduced the Russian Law on so-called Foreign Agents in parliament. This law had been withdrawn a year prior following extensive protests, with assurances that it would never be revived. Despite public outcry and warnings from international partners that such a law would impede Georgia's European integration, the ruling party proceeded with at least the first reading. Party leaders stated that they would not retreat this time.
Midfielder Giorgi Kochorashvili, who plays for the national team and the Spanish football club Levante, was among the first to join the rally with the slogan "Yes to Europe! Not to the Russian law." He shared a photo on his Instagram account from the rally, showing his niece holding the EU flag. Kakha Kaladze, a leader of the ruling Georgian Dream and the mayor of Tbilisi, commented that the football player's father, Roin Kochorashvili, "is a Nazi and a member of the Gakharia party."
Other players of the national team also voiced their opposition to the Russian Law:
Budu Zivzivadze: "No to Russia, Georgia's path is in Europe! No one should thank me, as I am saying what every Georgian should say."
Giorgi Chakvetadze: "Georgia in Europe!"
Jaba Kankava: "F*ck Russia..."
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: "The European path unites us! Forward to Europe! Peace for Georgia!"
Giorgi Mamardashvili: "Georgia's path and future lead only through Europe!"
Zuriko Davitashvili: "Georgia's path is in Europe; the European path unites us! Forward to Europe! Peace for Georgia!"
Giorgi Tsitaishvili: "Georgia's path and future lead only through Europe!"
On April 29, Georgian Dream will host a "public gathering" in front of the parliament building in support of the Russian law, at the exact location where daily protests against the Russian Law have been taking place for a week. Public service employees are required to participate in the rally supporting the Russian Law.
Based on preliminary information, Georgian Dream is set to approve the Russian Law in its third and final reading in June, coinciding with the national team's game at the European Championship.
The Euro 2024 tournament will take place in Germany from June 14 to July 14. Georgia will play its opening match against Turkey on June 18 in Dortmund, followed by a match against the Czech Republic in Hamburg on June 22, and a game against Portugal in Gelsenkirchen on June 26.
