FC Telavi
FC Telavi is a Georgian professional football club based in the city of Telavi in the Kakheti region.[1] Founded on 19 July 2016 by former players Irakli Vashakidze, Soso Grishikashvili, and Aleksandre Amisulashvili, the club began in the lower divisions and rapidly progressed through promotions.[1] It achieved three promotions in four seasons, culminating in ascent to the Erovnuli Liga—Georgia's top-flight league—in 2019, bringing first-division football back to Kakheti after a 12-year hiatus.[1][2] The club competes in the Erovnuli Liga, where it has established itself as a mid-table contender, with in the 2025 season, as of November 2025, it sits in the lower half of the standings (9th place).[3][4][5] FC Telavi plays home matches at Kavkasioni Arena, a 2,000-seat venue, while its traditional home, Givi Chokheli Stadium (capacity 12,000), undergoes reconstruction.[6][7] Known for its community focus and development of local talent, the club has not yet won major honors but represents a significant milestone for regional football in eastern Georgia.[2]History
Foundation and early years
FC Telavi was established on July 19, 2016, in Telavi, Georgia, by former professional footballers Irakli Vashakidze, Soso Grishikashvili, and Aleksandre Amisulashvili, who aimed to create a professional club in the Kakheti region following the dissolution of a previous local team due to financial issues in 2014.[8] The club debuted in the Regionuli Liga, Georgia's fourth-tier competition, during the 2016 season, representing a shift from amateur football to professional operations in the area. Key early matches included competitive fixtures against regional opponents, with the team demonstrating resilience in building cohesion; they completed the campaign successfully, finishing strong enough to earn promotion to Liga 3 for 2017.[1] In their first full season in Liga 3 in 2017, FC Telavi navigated adaptation challenges as a nascent entity, including assembling a squad from local talent and limited resources, while finishing second in Group B to secure promotion to Pirveli Liga (now Erovnuli Liga 2), the second division.[1][9] The 2018 season in Erovnuli Liga 2 emphasized squad building through targeted recruitment and youth integration, alongside efforts to grow local support in Telavi via community engagement and home matches at Givi Chokheli Stadium, culminating in a solid fifth-place finish that solidified the club's presence in national football.[1][10]Rapid promotions
In 2017, FC Telavi achieved a significant milestone in the Liga 3 by finishing second in the White Group of the regular season, which propelled them into the promotion group where they secured a top-three position. This strong showing qualified the team for the promotion/relegation playoff against Guria Lanchkhuti, a match they won 3–2 on aggregate—2–1 in the home leg and 1–1 away—earning promotion to Erovnuli Liga 2 for the following season. The success highlighted the club's growing competitiveness in the third tier, marking their second consecutive promotion since entering the professional leagues.[11] The 2018 campaign in Erovnuli Liga 2 saw FC Telavi consolidate their position in the second division, finishing fifth with 48 points from 36 matches, including 45 goals scored and 43 conceded. The season followed a double round-robin format among 10 teams, emphasizing consistent performance across home and away fixtures, and the club's balanced record underscored a robust defensive structure that limited high-scoring losses. Although promotion eluded them that year, the season represented a key step in building squad depth and experience at a higher level.[12] FC Telavi's ascent culminated in 2019, when they finished third in Erovnuli Liga 2 with 63 points from 36 matches, scoring 70 goals while conceding 36, showcasing an potent attack and improved defensive solidity. This position earned them a berth in the promotion playoff, where they defeated FC Rustavi 3–1 on aggregate—1–0 at home and 2–1 away—to secure elevation to the Erovnuli Liga for 2020. The achievement completed a remarkable four-season journey from the Regionuli Liga to Georgia's top flight, transforming the club from regional amateurs into national contenders. During this period, early sponsorship agreements provided essential support for infrastructure and player development, enabling sustained progress.[13]Erovnuli Liga era
FC Telavi made their debut in the Erovnuli Liga in 2020 after earning promotion from the second tier the previous year. The season was abbreviated to 18 matches per team due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Telavi demonstrated strong adaptation to the top-flight level by finishing in 6th place with 4 wins, 12 draws, and 2 losses, scoring 21 goals while conceding just 14.[14] This defensive solidity, highlighted by only two defeats, helped the club secure a comfortable mid-table position in their inaugural campaign, including notable draws against established sides like Dinamo Tbilisi and Dila Gori.[15] The 2021 season marked a full 36-match schedule, where Telavi again finished 6th, accumulating 44 points from 12 wins, 8 draws, and 16 losses (35 goals for, 53 against).[16] Early struggles saw the team languish in the lower half of the table, flirting with the relegation zone—by matchday 29, they sat 8th with 32 points—but a late surge, including a crucial 1-0 home victory over perennial contenders Dinamo Tbilisi, ensured stabilization and survival without needing playoffs.[17] This resilience underscored their growing competitiveness, though defensive vulnerabilities persisted with 53 goals conceded. Telavi continued mid-table consistency in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, they ended 7th with 39 points from 8 wins, 15 draws, and 13 losses (29-36 in goals), relying on a high number of draws to maintain safety from the bottom three.[18] The 2023 campaign saw a slight dip to 8th place, earning 37 points via 10 wins, 7 draws, and 19 losses (34-62), as offensive output improved marginally but defensive frailties led to heavier defeats.[19] These years highlighted the club's establishment in the top division, with survival secured through gritty performances in key fixtures, though they remained outsiders for European qualification spots. The 2024 season brought challenges, with Telavi finishing 9th and just four points above the relegation playoff spot, recording 8 wins, 10 draws, and 18 losses (32 goals for, 43 against) for 34 points.[20] Entering 2025, the team has struggled further, occupying 9th place after 32 matches with 7 wins, 8 draws, and 17 losses (27-53 in goals) for 29 points as of November 17, 2025, placing them in contention for the relegation playoff. Recent form has been poor, featuring losses such as 0-2 at home to Dila Gori on November 8 and 0-3 away to Dinamo Tbilisi on November 2, underscoring ongoing defensive issues and a fight for top-flight survival.[21][3] In cup competitions during this era, Telavi's most notable achievement came in the 2023 David Kipiani Cup, where they advanced to the semi-finals by defeating four lower-tier and top-flight opponents, including an upset win over Dila Gori, before a 0-1 defeat to eventual champions Torpedo Kutaisi.[1] Earlier top-flight editions, such as 2020 and 2021, saw early exits in the round of 16, with no further deep runs by 2025, including a round of 32 loss to FC Rustavi in the 2025 cup.[22][1]Records and statistics
Seasonal performance
FC Telavi's seasonal performance in domestic leagues spans from its founding in 2016 through rapid promotions from lower divisions to the top flight. The club achieved promotion from the Regionuli Liga (fourth tier) in its inaugural 2016 season. In 2017, competing in Liga 3 (third tier), Telavi finished third overall and secured promotion to Erovnuli Liga 2 via play-off victory over Guria Lanchkhuti (3–2 aggregate).[1][9] Detailed match statistics for the 2016 and 2017 seasons are limited in available records, but the following table summarizes all known league performances from 2016 to 2025. Data for 2018 onward is comprehensive, while earlier seasons focus on outcomes and implications.| Season | League | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF:GA | Pts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Regionuli Liga (IV) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Promoted to Liga 3.[1] |
| 2017 | Liga 3 (III) | 3rd | — | — | — | — | — | — | Promoted to Erovnuli Liga 2 after play-off win.[9] |
| 2018 | Erovnuli Liga 2 (II) | 5th | 36 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 45:43 | 48 | No promotion/relegation.[23] |
| 2019 | Erovnuli Liga 2 (II) | 3rd | 36 | 19 | 6 | 11 | 70:36 | 63 | Promoted to Erovnuli Liga.[23] |
| 2020 | Erovnuli Liga (I) | 6th | 18 | 4 | 12 | 2 | 21:14 | 24 | No promotion/relegation (shortened season).[23] |
| 2021 | Erovnuli Liga (I) | 6th | 36 | 12 | 8 | 16 | 35:53 | 44 | No promotion/relegation.[23] |
| 2022 | Erovnuli Liga (I) | 7th | 36 | 8 | 15 | 13 | 29:36 | 39 | No promotion/relegation.[23] |
| 2023 | Erovnuli Liga (I) | 8th | 36 | 10 | 7 | 19 | 34:62 | 37 | No promotion/relegation.[23] |
| 2024 | Erovnuli Liga (I) | 9th | 36 | 8 | 10 | 18 | 32:43 | 34 | No promotion/relegation.[23] |
| 2025 | Erovnuli Liga (I) | 9th | 32 | 7 | 8 | 17 | 27:53 | 29 | Partial season as of November 17, 2025; relegation battle ongoing.[23] |
Top goalscorers
FC Telavi's all-time leading goalscorer is Irakli Rukhadze, a Georgian left winger who netted 28 goals across 96 appearances for the club between 2018 and 2023.[24] His contributions were particularly prominent during the club's promotions and early Erovnuli Liga campaigns, where he consistently led the scoring charts. Other key contributors include forwards and midfielders who helped establish the club's offensive identity in lower divisions before transitioning to top-flight competition. The following table lists FC Telavi's all-time top 10 goalscorers, including totals, periods active with the club, and primary positions, based on all competitions:| Rank | Player | Goals | Period Active | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Irakli Rukhadze | 28 | 2018–2023 | Left Winger |
| 2 | Imeda Ashortia | 13 | 2021–2024 | Centre-Forward |
| 3 | Mikheil Basheleishvili | 11 | 2020–present | Attacking Midfield |
| 4 | Dejan Georgijević | 8 | 2023–2024 | Centre-Forward |
| 5 | Tornike Morchiladze | 8 | 2022–2024 | Right Winger |
| 6 | Tato Zhividze | 3 | 2019–2024 | Right Midfield |
| 7 | Dachi Tsnobiladze | 7 | 2023–present | Defensive Midfield |
| 8 | Aleksandre Koshkadze | 6 | 2018–2019 | Central Midfield |
| 9 | Yaroslav Kvasov | 6 | 2020–2021 | Centre-Forward |
| 10 | Giorgi Marakvelidze | 6 | 2019–2022 | Central Midfield |
| Season | Top Scorer(s) | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Lasha Kochladze | 5 |
| 2017 | Giorgi Marakvelidze | 7 |
| 2018 | Irakli Rukhadze | 9 |
| 2019 | Tato Zhividze | 10 |
| 2020 | Irakli Rukhadze | 12 |
| 2021 | Irakli Rukhadze | 11 |
| 2022 | Imeda Ashortia | 9 |
| 2023 | Dejan Georgijević | 8 |
| 2024 | Tornike Morchiladze, Dejan Georgijević | 6 each |
| 2025 | Jaduli Iobashvili | 4 |
Managerial history
The managerial history of FC Telavi reflects the club's rapid ascent from regional football to the top tier, marked by strategic appointments during its formative years and frequent changes in the Erovnuli Liga to stabilize performance. Founded in 2016, the club began without a listed head coach in official records, relying on interim or youth-level staff for its debut Regionuli Liga season, where it secured promotion to Liga 3 by finishing first.[1] Giorgi Dekanosidze was appointed in August 2017 and served until December 2018, overseeing the club's second promotion after finishing second in Liga 3 Group White and advancing through play-offs with a 3–2 aggregate victory over Guria Lanchkhuti. During his 503-day tenure, he managed 20 matches with a points per match (PPM) of 1.20, focusing on squad building by integrating local Kakheti talents and establishing defensive foundations that limited goals conceded in lower divisions. His departure coincided with the club's consolidation in Erovnuli Liga 2, where Telavi finished fifth in 2018.[29][1] Denys Khomutov took over from December 2018 to June 2019, managing 10 matches at a PPM of 1.60, but his short stint emphasized transitional play without major achievements before Revaz Gotsiridze's arrival in June 2019. Gotsiridze, who held the longest tenure until April 2021 (674 days, 44 matches, PPM 1.59), led Telavi to the 2019 Erovnuli Liga 2 title with 18 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses, securing promotion to the Erovnuli Liga after a 12-year absence of top-flight football in Telavi. His win percentage of approximately 41% (calculated from league records) highlighted tactical discipline, including a strong home record at Givi Chokheli Stadium.[29][30][1] The top-flight era from 2020 onward saw increased managerial turnover, with 10 coaches in six seasons, often triggered by mid-season slumps threatening relegation. Giorgi Mikadze's first spell (April 2021–December 2021) yielded 25 matches at a PPM of 1.48, maintaining mid-table stability with a focus on counter-attacking. Giorgi Tchelidze (January 2022–July 2022) managed 20 matches (PPM 1.25) before a poor run led to his exit, followed by Giorgi Tsetsadze (July 2022–March 2023, 23 matches, PPM 0.96), who steadied the defense but couldn't avoid a lower-half finish. Mikadze returned briefly in May–October 2023 (18 matches, PPM 1.50), earning a nomination for Coach of the Season after key wins, but departed amid inconsistent results.[29][31] Subsequent appointments included Vardan Minasyan (March–May 2023, 7 matches, PPM 0.29), whose brief tenure ended after early defeats; Giorgos Kostis (October–December 2023, 8 matches, PPM 1.25); Oleg Vasilenko (January–August 2024, 15 matches, PPM 1.00); Armen Adamyan (May–September 2024, 10 matches, PPM 1.40); and Pampos Christodoulou (September–December 2024, 16 matches, PPM 0.94), all reflecting reactive hires to address defensive vulnerabilities and scoring droughts. Ownership under Irakli Vashakidze influenced selections toward experienced foreign tacticians for short-term boosts.[29][31] In January 2025, Valeri Gagua was appointed on a one-year contract, bringing a 4-1-4-1 formation emphasis from his prior roles. By November 2025, he had managed 33 matches with a PPM of 0.88, achieving early successes like a 2-1 victory over Kolkheti 1913 but facing challenges in away fixtures, positioning Telavi mid-table and clear of relegation threats.[32][29]| Manager | Tenure | Matches | PPM | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giorgi Dekanosidze | Aug 2017–Dec 2018 | 20 | 1.20 | Promotion to Erovnuli Liga 2 (2017 play-offs) |
| Denys Khomutov | Dec 2018–Jun 2019 | 10 | 1.60 | Squad transition |
| Revaz Gotsiridze | Jun 2019–Apr 2021 | 44 | 1.59 | Erovnuli Liga 2 champions (2019), promotion to top flight |
| Giorgi Mikadze | Apr 2021–Dec 2021 | 25 | 1.48 | Mid-table security in debut top-flight season |
| Giorgi Tchelidze | Jan 2022–Jul 2022 | 20 | 1.25 | Defensive improvements |
| Giorgi Tsetsadze | Jul 2022–Mar 2023 | 23 | 0.96 | Avoided relegation |
| Vardan Minasyan | Mar 2023–May 2023 | 7 | 0.29 | None |
| Giorgi Mikadze (2nd) | May 2023–Oct 2023 | 18 | 1.50 | Coach of the Season nomination |
| Giorgos Kostis | Oct 2023–Dec 2023 | 8 | 1.25 | Late-season stabilization |
| Oleg Vasilenko | Jan 2024–Aug 2024 | 15 | 1.00 | Mid-table finish |
| Armen Adamyan | May 2024–Sep 2024 | 10 | 1.40 | Improved home form |
| Pampos Christodoulou | Sep 2024–Dec 2024 | 16 | 0.94 | Relegation avoidance |
| Valeri Gagua | Jan 2025–present | 33 | 0.88 | Mid-table positioning (ongoing) |
Squad and personnel
Current squad
As of November 2025, FC Telavi's first-team squad comprises 29 players for the ongoing Erovnuli Liga campaign, featuring a mix of Georgian talents and seven foreign players for a balanced roster with an average age of 24.6 years.[33] The squad emphasizes youth development alongside experienced contributors, providing depth across positions to support the club's mid-table ambitions.Goalkeepers
The goalkeeper unit includes three players, offering solid coverage with a blend of experience and potential.| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Joined | Contract Until |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Levan Tandilashvili | 22 | Georgia | - | - |
| 25 | Oleksiy Shevchenko | 33 | Ukraine | - | - |
| 33 | Sergi Bazerashvili | 19 | Georgia | - | - |
Defenders
With nine defenders, the backline provides versatility and numerical depth, crucial for maintaining defensive stability in league matches.| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Joined | Contract Until |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Aleko Ananidze | 21 | Georgia | - | - |
| 4 | Zurab Gigashvili | 23 | Georgia/Russia | - | Dec 31, 2025 |
| 5 | Piruz Gabitashvili | 25 | Georgia | - | - |
| 6 | Ebenezer Kpozo | 19 | Ghana | - | - |
| 14 | Giorgi Chkhetiani | 22 | Georgia | - | Dec 31, 2025 |
| 22 | Davit Gogotishvili | 22 | Georgia | - | - |
| 23 | Archil Datuashvili | 21 | Georgia | - | Dec 31, 2025 |
| 39 | Lado Odishvili | 22 | Georgia | - | - |
| 40 | Rati Mchedlishvili | 23 | Georgia | - | Dec 31, 2025 |
Midfielders
The midfield features 11 players, enabling tactical flexibility with options in defensive, central, and attacking roles to control the game's tempo.| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Joined | Contract Until |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Nikoloz Basheleishvili | 28 | Georgia | - | Dec 31, 2025 |
| 8 | Andria Devdariani | 23 | Georgia | - | - |
| 10 | Vato Arveladze | 27 | Georgia | - | - |
| 11 | Tato Zhividze | 23 | Georgia | - | - |
| 12 | Dachi Tsnobiladze | 31 | Georgia | - | - |
| 18 | Strahinja Pavisic | 29 | Serbia | - | - |
| 21 | Mikheil Basheleishvili | 28 | Georgia | - | - |
| 29 | Eldar Parkinashvili | 22 | Georgia | - | - |
| 34 | Giorgi Talakhashvili | 19 | Georgia | - | - |
| - | Joseph Kakara | 23 | Guinea | - | - |
| - | Rayan Sakji | 27 | France/Tunisia | - | Dec 15, 2025 |
Forwards
Six forwards round out the squad, focusing on pace and finishing to bolster attacking output, including key contributors like Vato Arveladze in a supporting role from midfield.| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Joined | Contract Until |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Nikoloz Tsetskhladze | 20 | Georgia | - | Dec 31, 2025 |
| 9 | Jaduli Iobashvili | 21 | Georgia | - | Dec 31, 2025 |
| 17 | Nikolay Kipiani | 28 | Russia/Georgia | - | Dec 31, 2025 |
| 19 | Iñigo Martin | 26 | Spain | - | - |
| 28 | Davit Kutalia | 18 | Georgia | - | - |
| 32 | Bachana Arabuli | 31 | Georgia | - | - |
Coaching staff
The coaching staff for FC Telavi in the 2025 Erovnuli Liga season is headed by Valeri Gagua, a 45-year-old Georgian coach appointed on January 14, 2025, with his contract extending until December 31, 2025. Gagua has built his career in Georgian football, previously managing Dinamo Tbilisi's U19 team from July 2024 to December 2024, Dinamo Tbilisi II from January to December 2024, and serving at FC Saburtalo Academy until December 2023.[32] His experience in youth and reserve team development positions him to guide Telavi's first-team ambitions in the top flight.[34] Supporting Gagua as assistant manager is Levan Merebashvili, a 46-year-old Georgian who joined on the same date, January 14, 2025. A former professional defender who played for clubs including Sioni Bolnisi, Merebashvili focuses on tactical preparation and training sessions to enhance team cohesion and performance.[34][35] The technical team also includes goalkeeping coach Tamaz Odikadze, aged 47 and Georgian, who has been with the club since January 20, 2022, specializing in goalkeeper technique and decision-making.[34]| Position | Name | Nationality | Age | Join Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Valeri Gagua | Georgia | 45 | Jan 14, 2025 |
| Assistant Manager | Levan Merebashvili | Georgia | 46 | Jan 14, 2025 |
| Goalkeeping Coach | Tamaz Odikadze | Georgia | 47 | Jan 20, 2022 |