Billionaire Ivanishvili awards Georgian team $10 million for World Cup playoff berth

Bidzina Ivanishvili, a powerful oligarch in Georgia, will award the national football team $10 million after their historic qualification for the Euro 2024 last 16, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Georgia secured their spot with a 2-0 victory over Portugal, marking a milestone in their debut at a major international tournament. Coached by Willy Sagnol, the team advanced from Group F as one of the top four third-placed teams and now prepares to face Spain on Sunday.

According to the ruling Georgian Dream party, Ivanishvili, its honorary chairman, will grant 30 million lari ($10.7 million) to the team for reaching this stage. An additional 30 million lari awaits them if they defeat Spain.

Last year, Ivanishvili assumed the role of honorary chairman within Georgian Dream, giving him influence over the party's prime ministerial nominee.