More than football
UEFA Super Cup final in Tbilisi

In less than a week some of the world’s best footballers and international fans will descend on Georgia’s capital Tbilisi for the UEFA Super Cup final, and this is what you need to know before match day.

On August 11 Barcelona FC will take on Sevilla FC at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena.

UEFA has imposed some restrictions that Georgian society must follow.

A law is in place that prohibits any unauthorised exploitation or use of the UEFA logo, placement on products or trading with logo marked goods, unauthorised public broadcasting of the match and trading and/or drawing of match tickets.

Further restrictions are in place immediately outside the stadium and on nearby streets. In this regard it is prohibited for any company to engage in any kind of advertising (except UEFA official sponsor companies). Furthermore, trading within the surrounding streets of Boris Baicahdze Dinamo Arena, Vera Park and Meidani Square or in places where football fans gather is not allowed and exploitation of any reference of the UEFA Super Cup by shops in their advertising purposes is strictly prohibited.

On August 11 Barcelona FC will take on Sevilla FC at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena. Photo by N. Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Sakpatenti protects UEFA rights in Georgia

A Government agency that determines policies regarding intellectual property has been assigned to oversee and coordinate activities in respect of the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights related to the organisation of the UEFA Super Cup 2015 final match in Tbilisi.

A decree of the Government of Georgia stated Sakpatenti, the Interagency Coordination Council for Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement functioning at National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia, was responsible for the above task.

Last month Sakpatenti launched an information campaign outlining the rules and responsibilities to in order to protect exclusive intellectual property rights of UEFA during the August 11 game.

The aim of the campaign was to explain to society that some actions were prohibited by law and inform them of the punishments if they violated the law.

Counterfeit and illegal goods will be confiscated and fines will be imposed on all who violate this restriction. Criminal proceedings may be launched if large amounts of illicit goods are discovered,” said head of Sakpatenti Nikoloz Gogilidze.

"Those who try to resell tickets will have them confiscated and might be subject to a fine. The confiscated tickets will become void,” he said.

Bus stops near Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi have been turned into football goals to mark the UEFA Super Cup final. Photo by N. Alavidze/Agenda.ge

A special group from Sakpatenti distributed the flyers and spoke with employees of the shops, bars, cafes and other stores located near the stadium. Additionally Sakpatenti representatives met with the private sector and other target groups to inform them of their obligations to adhere to the law to avoid infringements.

Limitations for spectators

Dinamo Arena is welcoming all supporters but there are restrictions in place that prohibit some items from being brought into the stadium. Items that cannot be taken into the stadium include knives, fireworks, smoke grenades, air horns, flares, weapons, dangerous items, laser devices, bottles, glass containers, cans, alcohol, drugs or any article that might be used as a weapon or could compromise public safety.

"Any person seen or searched and found to be in possession of such items will be ejected or refused entry to the stadium and handed over to police,” warned UEFA.

The entrance of the Boris Paicahdze Dinamo Arena stadium. Photo by N. Alavidze/Agenda.ge

UEFA promotes Tbilisi to world football fans

The president of UEFA has sent a welcoming message to global football fans and inviting them to Georgia to enjoy the upcoming UEFA Super Cup match and "to experience the cultural delights of this great country”.

UEFA president Michel Platini wrote a special message inside a free leaflet, which was being distributed internationally this week that said the August 11 game would bring a lot of enjoyment and excitement.

"This final is taking place in a country with a rich history of football and promises to be a very special occasion indeed,” wrote Platini in his welcome message.

UEFA said Tbilisi was ready for the UEFA Super Cup final match and called Georgia's capital a "friendly city". Photo by N. Alavidze/Agenda.ge

UEFA produced the free leaflet about two days ago that contained a lot of useful information about Georgia for visitors to the upcoming match. The leaflet included information for tourists on things to do, see and useful things to know while in Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi.

Tbilisi is ready to welcome football supporters from all over Europe, and especially representatives of both of the clubs that are playing in the final. Tbilisi has always been a friendly city. Over the centuries it has been home to people of many different nations and religions,” stated the leaflet.

The informational sheet described the brief history of Tbilisi and the must-see sights of the city. The leaflet also included information about Georgia’s football’s history and its main successes and achievements.

There was also a guideline about how to get to Tbilisi from neighbouring countries by road, by train or by air. Those interested could also get information about where to stay in Tbilisi.

Meanwhile, spectators can purchase food, drink and official merchandise at various outlets located inside the stadium. 

Even zebra crossings in Tbilisi are awaiting for a big game. Photo by N. Alavidze/Agenda.ge 

Tbilisi cultural tips

UEFA published a list of useful Georgian words and phrases for spectators who do not speak the local language.

UEFA also informed visitors of some useful cultural tips about Georgia. Some of the tips were:

"Handshakes are a common form of greeting but Georgians often embrace upon meeting with one kiss on the cheek.”

"Georgians are friendly and hospitable people who welcome guests and treat them like family.”

"Never use offensive words while talking to Georgians (offensive words are easily understandable in any language for Georgians),” said UEFA.

At the end of his welcome message, Platini thanked Georgia for hosting the UEFA Super Cup 2015 match.

"Finally, I would like to thank the Georgian Football Federation, the city of Tbilisi, the volunteers and of course the fans, all of whom I am sure will make this match a memorable one,” he said.

"This final is taking place in a country with a rich history of football and promises to be a very special occasion indeed,” wrote UEFA president in his welcome message. Photo by N. Alavidze/Agenda.ge