Dila Gori v Lok Tbilisi (Photo:Matt Walker / 55 Football Nations)
My guest is Luka Lagvilava, whose @GeorgianFooty feed on Twitter/X has become an extremely popular resource on football in Georgia, especially when the former Soviet state made its European Championship debut in 2024.
I chat to Luka about the history of football in Georgia, the country’s clubs, its greatest players, the international scene, the politics, and get his groundhopping tips for visitors.
Here’s a summary of what we cover in this episode:
We discuss the history and evolution of Georgian football, starting from its early introduction in the early 20th century, including the significant role of English influence and the establishment of key clubs like Dinamo Tbilisi.
Luka outlines the contribution of Georgian players to the Soviet Union’s football scene, emphasising the notable successes of Georgian footballers and clubs during the Soviet era, such as Dinamo Tbilisi winning the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1981.
Luka covers the impact of Georgia’s independence on its football, including the challenges faced by the national team and domestic clubs, and the significance of players like Georgi Kinkladze and Temuri Ketsbaia in raising Georgia’s football profile internationally.
We explore the recent rise of Georgian football, particularly the national team’s qualification for Euro 2024, discussing the factors behind this success, including the influence of the Nations League and the development of a structured youth academy system.
We discuss the role of politics in Georgian football, touching on the influence of the government on the sport, including the involvement of politicians in football administration and the challenges this poses for the sport’s development.
Luka explains the domestic football scene in Georgia, including the structure of the national league, the affordability and accessibility of tickets, and the presence of passionate fanbases and rivalries, particularly the significance of the Dinamo Tbilisi vs. Saburtalo (FC Iberia 1999) derby.
We talk about the challenges Georgian clubs face in European competitions, noting the need for better funding, facilities, and support to improve their performances on the international stage.
We consider the future prospects of Georgian football, expressing optimism about the young talent emerging from the country and the potential for continued success in international competitions, including hopes for future World Cup qualifications.
Luka discusses the cultural and tourism appeal of Georgia, emphasising the unique blend of scenic landscapes, rich history, and the burgeoning football culture that makes the country an attractive destination for visitors.
Luka shares his experience around the challenges of securing tickets for Euro 2024, reflecting on the excitement and pride of witnessing Georgia’s historic participation in the tournament.
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