Definition
The Georgian Cup is an annual knockout football (soccer) tournament organized by the Georgian Football Federation (GFF), serving as the principal domestic cup competition in Georgia. The winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League (or its predecessor competitions) and earns a place in the Georgian Super Cup.
Overview
Established in 1990, the competition succeeded the Soviet-era Georgian SSR Cup and has been held each season, except for interruptions due to extraordinary circumstances such as the COVID‑19 pandemic. The tournament features clubs from the top tiers of Georgian football, including the Erovnuli Liga (first division), Erovnuli Liga 2 (second division), and selected lower‑division teams. Matches are played as single‑leg eliminations, with extra time and penalty shoot‑outs used to decide tied games. The final is traditionally staged at a neutral venue, most recently at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi.
Historically, the most successful clubs in the Georgian Cup are FC Dinamo Tbilisi and FC Torpedo Kutaisi, each securing multiple titles. The competition is also a platform for emerging clubs and players to achieve national recognition and European competition exposure.
Etymology/Origin
The term “Georgian Cup” combines the demonym “Georgian,” referring to the nation of Georgia in the South Caucasus, with “Cup,” a common designation for knockout football tournaments. The competition inherited its structure from the previous Soviet system but was re‑branded following Georgia’s declaration of independence in 1991.
Characteristics
- Format: Single‑elimination knockout; matches are 90 minutes, with extra time and penalty shoot‑outs if needed.
- Eligibility: Open to professional clubs affiliated with the GFF; a limited number of amateur teams may be invited.
- Seasonality: Typically conducted from late summer through spring, aligning with the Georgian football calendar.
- Prize: The champion receives a trophy, a monetary award, and qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League; the runner‑up may also receive a smaller prize.
- Broadcasting: Matches are televised nationally and streamed online through the GFF’s official platforms and selected sports broadcasters.
Related Topics
- Erovnuli Liga – Georgia’s top‑division football league.
- Georgian Super Cup – A single‑match contest between the Georgian Cup winner and the Erovnuli Liga champion.
- David Kipiani Cup – The official name of the Georgian Cup, honoring the late Georgian international footballer David Kipiani.
- UEFA Europa Conference League – European competition in which the Georgian Cup winner may participate.
- Georgian Football Federation (GFF) – Governing body overseeing football activities in Georgia.