The Prime Minister of Georgia highlighted a “need to separate politics” from sports and art in the country “as much as possible”, after a part of the domestic opposition and the non-governmental sector urged public figures, including players of the national football team, to become involved in activism against the controversial bill on transparency of foreign influence.

“Two weeks ago, the historic football victory united the Georgian people. The feeling of happiness and national pride united all those who value the homeland, country, Georgian football and the victory of Georgia. Sports and football are for everyone. Sports and football equally belong to all fans of Georgia, to all patriotic Georgians.

Georgian sports have achieved unprecedented success in recent years. For the first time in history, the Georgian football team qualified for the European Championship, for the first time in history, rugby players won against the teams of 6 nations, for the first time in history, the national basketball team qualified for the World Championship and was among the 16 best teams in the world, for the first time in history, the water polo team took a place among the 8 best teams in Europe, for the 1st time in history, the handball team qualified for the European Championship and won its 1st historic victory.

When something happens for the first time in all the major team sports in over 30 years, it means that the Government’s effort is a big part of it. However, the government has never tried to claim these victories.

We understand very well that sport is for everyone and should remain so. Therefore, it is our responsibility to stand above subjective interests and separate politics from Georgian sports and art as much as possible.

It is a pity that the opposition, which is actively trying to drag Georgian sports and art into its own political dirt, does not take care of what we take care of as much as possible. This also shows their attitude towards the country and everything related to the identity of Georgia.

Only unpatriotic people would do what our political opponents are doing against Georgian sports and art. It was their handwriting when they were in power, when they made artists, sportsmen and their family members serve their own narrow political interests, and it is still their handwriting today.

Each citizen of this country, who is not indifferent to his country, Georgian sports and art, should do everything to prevent Saakashvili, Gvaramia, Khazaradze, Gakharia and Gigauri from staining Georgian sports and art with political dirt”, - writes Irakli Kobakhidze on his Facebook page.