Willy Sagnol has been dismissed as head coach of Georgia following the national team’s disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Northern Ireland in their opening UEFA Nations League match.
The Georgian Football Federation announced Sagnol’s departure on Saturday, just one day after Northern Ireland secured a dramatic victory at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi.
The defeat came in painful fashion for Georgia, who had the opportunity to take the lead in the second half but failed to convert a penalty before conceding deep into stoppage time.
Paris Saint-Germain forward and Georgia captain Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was given the chance to put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot in the 65th minute. However, Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles guessed correctly and saved the effort.
The penalty had been awarded following a VAR review after Luka Lochoshvili was pulled down inside the area. Kvaratskhelia stepped up to take responsibility, but his effort was kept out by the 21-year-old goalkeeper.
Northern Ireland eventually punished Georgia for failing to take their opportunity.
With the match seemingly heading towards a goalless draw, Shea Charles struck in the ninth minute of added time to give the visitors a remarkable victory. Charles finished from close range after Trai Hume delivered the ball into the penalty area, sending the travelling side into celebration.
The goal was confirmed after a VAR review and secured Northern Ireland’s first away victory in the Nations League.
Georgia had controlled large portions of the match and enjoyed about 62 per cent possession, while recording 11 shots and nine corners. Northern Ireland, however, remained dangerous on the counter and eventually found the decisive breakthrough when it mattered most.
The result brought an abrupt end to Sagnol’s time in charge of the Georgian national team.
The former France international had taken over in February 2021 and subsequently guided Georgia to the European Championship in 2024, their first appearance at a major European national-team tournament. The Georgian federation thanked the Frenchman for his contribution and described the period as a historic journey for the national side.
Sagnol’s departure also comes after Georgia failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team had struggled during the qualification campaign, adding further pressure on the former Bayern Munich defender before the Nations League began.
The Georgian federation has already named Ramaz Svanadze as Sagnol’s replacement. The 45-year-old Georgian coach will remain in charge until the end of 2028, according to the federation’s announcement.
Svanadze previously coached Georgia’s under-21 team and guided the side to the European Championship finals on two occasions. His appointment represents a new chapter for the senior national team as Georgia looks to rebuild and compete for future international success.
The timing of Sagnol’s dismissal is particularly striking because Georgia are still at the beginning of their Nations League campaign. The team’s next fixture is against Ukraine on Monday, giving Svanadze little time to prepare for his first assignment in charge.
Georgia will therefore need to quickly recover from the defeat to Northern Ireland, particularly after allowing three points to slip away despite having a penalty opportunity and controlling much of the possession.
For Sagnol, Friday’s defeat brought the curtain down on a five-year spell that included one of the most significant achievements in Georgian football history. His successor now faces the challenge of maintaining the progress made during that period while addressing the team’s recent struggles.
Northern Ireland, meanwhile, leave Tbilisi with three valuable points after a match that appeared destined for a draw until Shea Charles produced the decisive moment deep into stoppage time.
