Aleksander Čeferin, the President of the European football governing body UEFA, on Friday congratulated the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the country’s national football team for the squad’s “most successful” debut at the recently concluded European Championship in Germany.
In his letter to Kobakhidze, Čeferin noted the Championship had shown the importance of football matches of national teams as a “source of national pride and unity”.
“UEFA Euro 2024 came to an end after a month of football of the highest quality. We felt united by football in the heart of Europe, and I am delighted to hear that it also made such a memorable experience for you. It was an honour to have you as our guest and share the excitement of the tournament with you”, Čeferin said.
The Euro has, without doubt, proved the importance of national team football as a source of national pride and unity, and it has been wonderful to see the honour felt by the players in wearing the national team shirt. They earned the right to perform on one of world sport's most exalted international stages. This tournament was certainly a shining example of unity, illustrating how football can be a powerful force for good in a world desperate for hope and positive change”, he noted.
Čeferin also said none of the experience would have been possible without “exceptional participants” who showcased their “remarkable talents”.
“Last, but not least, I must congratulate you and your national team for a most successful debut! You showed to the world that you are a football force to be reckoned with”, he concluded.
Georgia were defeated by eventual champions Spain in the playoffs of the competition, after reaching the knockout stage as the best third-placed team in the group stage.
In Group F they finished behind Portugal and Turkey, scoring a memorable 2-0 win over the former in the final game of the stage.