Georgian Cup
| Organising body | Georgian Football Federation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 |
| Region | Georgia |
| Number of teams | Various |
| Qualifier for | UEFA Europa Conference League |
| Current champions | Spaeri (1st title) |
| Most successful club(s) | FC Dinamo Tbilisi (13 titles) |
| Website | Georgian Football Federation |
 2025 Georgian Cup | |
The Georgian Cup (Georgian: საქართველოს თასი) is the main annual association football knockout cup competition in Georgia. It is organized by the Georgian Football Federation (GFF) and is open to clubs of all divisions. The tournament was established in 1990 alongside the formation of the independent Georgian national league, and since 1993 has been officially named the David Kipiani Cup in honor of the famous Georgian footballer David Kipiani.
The winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League and also competes in the Georgian Super Cup against the national league champion.
Format
[edit]The Georgian Cup operates as a knockout tournament with random draws at each round. Matches are usually decided over one leg, with extra time and penalty shootouts if necessary. In earlier years, different formats were experimented with, including preliminary regional rounds and, for two seasons in the mid-2000s, a group stage.
Since 2008, the tournament has returned to a straightforward single-elimination format. As of the 2020s, around 52 teams participate each year, with lower-division clubs entering the earlier rounds. Finals are usually hosted at neutral venues, traditionally in Tbilisi, but also occasionally in cities like Kutaisi and Batumi.
History
[edit]Soviet era
[edit]Organized cup competitions in Georgia began during the Soviet era. The first Georgian SSR Cup was held in 1944. Dinamo Tbilisi, Georgia’s strongest team at the time, generally did not participate due to their commitments in the Soviet Top League. Various regional teams won the Georgian SSR Cup until 1989.
The final winners before independence included clubs such as Shadrevani-83 Tskaltubo (1988 and 1989).
Post-independence era (1990–present)
[edit]The first independent Georgian Cup tournament was organized in 1990 and was won by Guria Lanchkhuti. From 1991–92 onward, the cup was integrated into the structure of Georgia's independent football competitions.
Dinamo Tbilisi dominated the early years, winning six consecutive cups between 1991–92 and 1996–97.[1]
In 1993, the competition was renamed the David Kipiani Cup in honor of the national football icon. The physical trophy itself was redesigned in the mid-2000s after being damaged.
During the 2000s, other clubs emerged as strong contenders: - FC Dinamo Batumi broke Dinamo Tbilisi’s streak by winning in 1997–98. - FC Torpedo Kutaisi won their first cup in 1998–99 and became a regular finalist thereafter. - FC Lokomotivi Tbilisi also achieved cup success with wins in 2000, 2002, and 2005.
In 2006 and 2007, FC Ameri Tbilisi won back-to-back titles during a brief period when the tournament featured a group stage.
Since 2008, the cup has reverted to a classical knockout format, leading to greater unpredictability and success by clubs outside the capital.
Continued history (late 2000s–2020s)
[edit]The late 2000s saw new clubs emerging. FC Zestafoni won their first and only cup title in 2007–08. FC Dinamo Tbilisi reclaimed dominance in 2009, defeating Olimpi Rustavi in a dramatic final decided by penalties.
The 2010s brought more surprises: - FC WIT Georgia captured the 2010 title. - FC Gagra achieved a historic upset in 2011 by winning the cup while playing in the second division, beating Torpedo Kutaisi 1–0 after extra time. - FC Dila Gori won in 2012, while FC Chikhura Sachkhere made two consecutive finals (2013 and 2014).
Since 2016, Georgian football adopted a spring–autumn calendar. The cup competitions continued under a more streamlined knockout format.
Clubs such as FC Saburtalo Tbilisi rose to prominence, winning the cup in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
In 2024, a new club, FC Spaeri Tbilisi, won their first Georgian Cup title after defeating Dinamo Tbilisi in a penalty shootout.
Records and statistics
[edit]- Most Titles: Dinamo Tbilisi (13 titles) - Most Consecutive Titles: Dinamo Tbilisi (6 titles, 1991–1997) - Most Finals Reached: Dinamo Tbilisi (16 finals) - Biggest Final Win: Dinamo Tbilisi 5–0 Samtredia (2015 Final) - Most Cup Final Appearances Without Winning: FC Samgurali Tskhaltubo (3 runner-up finishes)
Notable players
[edit]Several Georgian players began their careers playing in the Georgian Cup, including: - Kakhaber Kaladze — later AC Milan defender and Georgian national team captain. - Shota Arveladze — one of Georgia's all-time top scorers, former Ajax and Rangers striker. - Georgi Kinkladze — famed midfielder at Manchester City and Ajax.
In modern times, players such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli), Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia CF), and Giorgi Chakvetadze (Watford) have participated in early rounds or youth editions of the Georgian Cup before achieving international success.
The Georgian Cup continues to be a platform for showcasing young Georgian talent nationally and internationally.
Contemporary era
[edit]Modern format (2020s)
[edit]As of the 2020s, the Georgian Cup features approximately 52 teams each season, drawn from the top divisions (Erovnuli Liga, Erovnuli Liga 2, Liga 3) and selected amateur sides. The tournament operates on a single-elimination knockout basis.
There are no seedings: - Top-tier and lower-tier teams may be drawn against each other from the first round. - Matches are decided in a single leg, with extra time and penalties if necessary. - The Cup typically starts in **April or May** and concludes with the final in **November or December**.
Starting from the 2022 season, the GFF introduced a random open draw without regional divisions, increasing unpredictability.
Prize Money and Sponsorship
[edit]The Georgian Cup is sponsored primarily by the Georgian Football Federation (GFF) and receives additional support from commercial partners. As of 2024: - Prize money for the winner is approximately **100,000₾** (around €32,000).[2] - Additional bonuses are awarded for progressing to semi-finals and finals.
There is no major title sponsor currently attached to the Georgian Cup (as of 2024), but periodic sponsorships (e.g., "Kazbegi Cup" in mid-2000s) have existed historically.
Broadcasting and media coverage
[edit]From the 2020s onward: - Key matches, including quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, are broadcast live on **1TV** (Georgian Public Broadcaster). - Some earlier rounds are streamed via **GFF's official YouTube channel** or local media partners. - The Cup Final typically attracts significant nationwide viewership and is heavily promoted.
Youth and women's competitions
[edit]The GFF also organizes parallel tournaments:
Georgian Youth Cup
[edit]Youth teams (mainly U-19) compete annually, with a structure similar to the senior Georgian Cup.
Georgian Women's Cup
[edit]The women's domestic cup is contested by clubs from the Georgian Women's Championship. The competition is steadily growing in popularity, supported by UEFA's Women's Football Development initiatives.
Youth and women's cup finals are usually held as standalone events at neutral venues, with promotion via GFF channels.
UEFA qualification today
[edit]The winner of the Georgian Cup earns a spot in the **second qualifying round** of the **UEFA Europa Conference League** for the following season.[3]
If the Cup winner has already qualified for Europe via league position, the European place is transferred to the next highest-placed team in the Erovnuli Liga standings.
Recent cup highlights (2019–2024)
[edit]- 2019: Saburtalo Tbilisi wins first cup title.
- 2020: Gagra wins as a second-tier club.
- 2021: Saburtalo Tbilisi claims second title.
- 2022: Torpedo Kutaisi wins in a dramatic final against Lokomotivi-2 Tbilisi.
- 2023: Saburtalo Tbilisi wins third title.
- 2024: Spaeri Tbilisi wins first ever title after penalty shootout over Dinamo Tbilisi.
These seasons reflect the increasing competitiveness of the tournament, with both established clubs and newcomers making deep runs.
History and Sponsorship
[edit]The Georgian Cup was established in 1990 with the creation of Georgia’s independent football league. Since 2001, it has officially been named the David Kipiani Cup (Georgian: დავით ყიფიანის თასი) in honor of renowned Georgian footballer David Kipiani.[1]
Throughout its history, the Cup occasionally carried title sponsorship names. In the late 1990s, it was briefly known as the Lomisi Cup after a brewery sponsorship, and during the mid-2000s, it was promoted as the Kazbegi Georgian Cup through a deal with the Kazbegi beer company. Despite sponsorships, the official name remained dedicated to Kipiani. As of 2024, the Cup operates without a title sponsor and is simply organized by the Georgian Football Federation (GFF).
The Cup winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League, adding important European relevance to the competition.[4]
The original Cup trophy was damaged in 2007 and replaced with a new version.[5]
Tournament Format Evolution
[edit]The Georgian Cup is traditionally a single-elimination tournament.
- In the 1990s, formats varied: some seasons included preliminary qualifying rounds; others began directly with 16 or 32 teams. - From 2001–2003, a zonal qualification (East/West) system was introduced. - In 2006–2007, the Cup experimented with a group-stage format but reverted back to knockout after 2008 due to low popularity.[6]
Today: - Lower-tier clubs enter earlier rounds. - Top Erovnuli Liga clubs typically enter from the Round of 16 onward. - Matches are single-legged, with extra time and penalties if needed.
As of 2024, 52 teams participate in the tournament.
Finals and Venues
[edit]Until the mid-2010s, most Georgian Cup finals were hosted at Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi.
Since then, finals have rotated among major Georgian cities, including:
- Ramaz Shengelia Stadium (Kutaisi) - David Abashidze Stadium (Zestafoni) - Tengiz Burjanadze Stadium (Gori) - Adjarabet Arena (Batumi)
For example: - The 2022 final was hosted in Batumi. - The 2023 and 2024 finals returned to Tbilisi’s Mikheil Meskhi Stadium.
This rotation aims to promote football across regions and showcase modernized stadiums.
Contemporary Significance and Media Coverage
[edit]Winning the Georgian Cup provides direct qualification to the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round. If the winner is already qualified via the league, the cup runner-up may receive the European spot.
Since 2018: - The final is broadcast nationwide on 1TV and streamed online. - Early-round matches are also shown via GFF’s YouTube and social media channels.
Youth and Women's Georgian Cups operate similarly, with growing support under UEFA’s development programs.
Increased prize money (approx. 100,000₾ for the winner) has made the Cup highly competitive among both major and rising clubs.[7]
Recent Developments
[edit]Recent notable champions include: - FC Saburtalo Tbilisi (2019, 2021, 2023) - FC Torpedo Kutaisi (2018, 2022) - FC Spaeri Tbilisi (2024)
Winners and finals
[edit]Cup finals since independence (1990–present)
[edit]| Season | Winner | Runner-up | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Guria Lanchkhuti | Tskhumi Sokhumi | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | First independent Georgian Cup |
| 1991–92 | Iberia-Dinamo Tbilisi | Tskhumi Sokhumi | 3–1 | |
| 1992–93 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Dinamo Batumi | 4–2 | |
| 1993–94 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Metalurgi Rustavi | 1–0 | |
| 1994–95 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Dinamo Batumi | 1–0 | |
| 1995–96 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Dinamo Batumi | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | |
| 1996–97 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Dinamo Batumi | 1–0 | |
| 1997–98 | Dinamo Batumi | Dinamo Tbilisi | 2–1 (a.e.t.) | |
| 1998–99 | Torpedo Kutaisi | Samgurali Tskhaltubo | 0–0 (a.e.t., 4–2 pen.) | |
| 1999–2000 | Lokomotivi Tbilisi | Torpedo Kutaisi | 0–0 (a.e.t., 4–2 pen.) | |
| 2000–01 | Torpedo Kutaisi | Lokomotivi Tbilisi | 0–0 (a.e.t., 4–3 pen.) | |
| 2001–02 | Lokomotivi Tbilisi | Torpedo Kutaisi | 2–0 | |
| 2002–03 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Sioni Bolnisi | 3–1 | |
| 2003–04 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Torpedo Kutaisi | 2–1 | |
| 2004–05 | Lokomotivi Tbilisi | Zestafoni | 2–0 | |
| 2005–06 | Ameri Tbilisi | Zestafoni | 2–2 (a.e.t., 4–3 pen.) | |
| 2006–07 | Ameri Tbilisi | Zestafoni | 1–0 | |
| 2007–08 | Zestafoni | Ameri Tbilisi | 2–1 | |
| 2008–09 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Olimpi Rustavi | 1–1 (a.e.t., 2–0 pen.) | |
| 2009–10 | WIT Georgia | Dinamo Tbilisi | 1–0 | |
| 2010–11 | Gagra | Torpedo Kutaisi | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | First 2nd-tier club to win |
| 2011–12 | Dila Gori | Zestafoni | 4–1 | |
| 2012–13 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Chikhura Sachkhere | 3–1 | |
| 2013–14 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Chikhura Sachkhere | 2–1 | |
| 2014–15 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Samtredia | 5–0 | |
| 2015–16 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Sioni Bolnisi | 1–0 | |
| 2016 | Torpedo Kutaisi | Merani Martvili | 2–1 | One-off autumn edition |
| 2017 | Chikhura Sachkhere | Torpedo Kutaisi | 0–0 (a.e.t., 4–3 pen.) | |
| 2018 | Torpedo Kutaisi | Gagra | 2–2 (a.e.t., 4–2 pen.) | |
| 2019 | Saburtalo Tbilisi | Lokomotivi Tbilisi | 3–1 | |
| 2020 | Gagra | Samgurali Tskhaltubo | 0–0 (a.e.t., 5–3 pen.) | |
| 2021 | Saburtalo Tbilisi | Samgurali Tskhaltubo | 1–0 | |
| 2022 | Torpedo Kutaisi | Lokomotivi Tbilisi II | 2–0 | |
| 2023 | Saburtalo Tbilisi | Dinamo Batumi | 1–0 | |
| 2024 | Spaeri Tbilisi | Dinamo Tbilisi | 2–2 (a.e.t., 5–4 pen.) |
Performance by club
[edit]| Club | Titles | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| FC Dinamo Tbilisi | 13 | 3 |
| FC Torpedo Kutaisi | 5 | 5 |
| FC Lokomotivi Tbilisi | 3 | 2 |
| FC Saburtalo Tbilisi | 3 | 0 |
| FC Ameri Tbilisi | 2 | 1 |
| FC Gagra | 2 | 1 |
| FC Dinamo Batumi | 1 | 5 |
| FC Zestafoni | 1 | 4 |
| FC Chikhura Sachkhere | 1 | 2 |
| FC Guria Lanchkhuti | 1 | 0 |
| WIT Georgia | 1 | 0 |
| FC Dila Gori | 1 | 0 |
| FC Spaeri Tbilisi | 1 | 0 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Georgia – List of Cup Winners". RSSSF. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "GFF announces increased prize funds for 2024 competitions". Georgian Football Federation. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "Europa Conference League Access List". UEFA. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "UEFA Europa Conference League". UEFA. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "Georgian Football Federation". GFF. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "GFF Official News Archives". GFF. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "GFF announces increased prize funds for 2024 competitions". GFF. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
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