# Levan Kobiashvili > President of the Georgian Football Federation, Former football player, Member of Parliament of Georgia **Wikidata**: [Q155477](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q155477) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levan_Kobiashvili) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/levan-kobiashvili ## Summary Levan Kobiashvili is a Georgian former professional footballer and current President of the Georgian Football Federation, also serving as a Member of Parliament in Georgia. Born on July 10, 1977, he transitioned from a distinguished football career spanning two decades to a political and administrative role, contributing to both sports governance and national legislation in Georgia. ## Biography - **Born**: July 10, 1977 - **Nationality**: Georgian - **Known for**: Leadership in Georgian football governance and political representation - **Employer(s)**: Georgian Football Federation (President), Parliament of Georgia (Member) - **Field(s)**: Sports administration, politics, professional football ## Contributions - **Georgian Football Federation Presidency**: Elected President in 2016, overseeing reforms and development of football infrastructure in Georgia. - **Professional Football Career (1994–2014)**: Played for clubs including Dinamo Tbilisi, Schalke 04, and the Georgia national team, participating in UEFA competitions. - **Political Career**: Elected to the Parliament of Georgia in 2020, contributing to legislative processes. ## FAQs - **What roles has Levan Kobiashvili held in football?** He played professionally for clubs like Schalke 04 and captained the Georgia national team before becoming President of the Georgian Football Federation in 2016. - **When did he transition to politics?** He was elected to the Parliament of Georgia in 2020, marking his shift from sports to legislative governance. - **What is his significance in Georgian sports?** As a long-serving footballer and later federation president, he has influenced both the competitive and administrative aspects of Georgian football. ## Why They Matter Levan Kobiashvili bridges Georgia’s sporting and political spheres, leveraging his career as a national team captain and UEFA-level player to advocate for football development. His dual role as a lawmaker and sports administrator positions him to shape policies impacting both sectors, ensuring Georgia’s representation in international competitions and governance. Without his leadership, Georgian football might lack strategic direction, and parliamentary debates could miss perspectives informed by high-profile athletic experience. ## Notable For - **Longevity in Football**: 20-year playing career (1994–2014) with over 100 international caps. - **Leadership Roles**: President of the Georgian Football Federation since 2016 and Member of Parliament since 2020. - **UEFA Participation**: Competed in UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches during his tenure with Schalke 04. - **Political Transition**: Rare example of a Georgian athlete transitioning directly to national legislative office. ## Body ### Early Life and Football Career Levan Kobiashvili was born on July 10, 1977, in Georgia, a transcontinental nation in the Caucasus region. He began his professional football career in 1994 with Dinamo Tbilisi, a prominent Georgian club, before moving to Germany’s Schalke 04 in 1998. His career spanned 20 years, including stints with Freiburg and Hertha BSC, and earned him over 100 caps for the Georgia national team. ### Transition to Sports Governance After retiring from football in 2014, Kobiashvili pivoted to administration. In 2016, he was elected President of the Georgian Football Federation (GFF), overseeing initiatives to modernize the sport domestically and enhance Georgia’s standing in UEFA and FIFA. His tenure has focused on youth development programs and infrastructure upgrades, aligning with Georgia’s broader post-Soviet reforms. ### Political Engagement In 2020, Kobiashvili expanded his public service into politics, becoming a Member of the Parliament of Georgia. This role complements his GFF presidency, enabling him to advocate for sports-related legislation and education policy. His political affiliation reflects Georgia’s semi-presidential system, where parliamentary members influence executive and judicial reforms. ### Legacy and Impact Kobiashvili’s career exemplifies Georgia’s post-independence trajectory, from rebuilding national identity through sports to engaging in democratic governance. As a footballer, he represented Georgia in international tournaments during the 2000s, a period of geopolitical realignment after the Soviet collapse. As a federation president, he navigates the challenges of promoting football in a nation of 3.7 million, leveraging UEFA partnerships to secure hosting rights for youth championships. His parliamentary work further cements his role as a multifaceted leader, addressing societal issues beyond sports in a country known for its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. ### International and Cultural Context Kobiashvili’s achievements are contextualized by Georgia’s historical and cultural identity, including its adoption of Christianity in 337 AD and its unique alphabet. His leadership in football aligns with Georgia’s efforts to assert soft power through cultural exports, such as its renowned wine and polyphonic music. By strengthening football governance, Kobiashvili contributes to Georgia’s integration into European structures, a priority underscored by its 1999 Council of Europe membership and aspirations for EU accession. ### Statistical and Professional Highlights - **Football Career**: 1994–2014, with 106 international appearances. - **GFF Presidency**: Since 2016, overseeing UEFA coefficient improvements. - **Parliamentary Term**: Elected in 2020, focusing on sports and youth policy. - **Awards and Recognition**: Honored for contributions to Georgian sport, though specific accolades are not detailed in source material. This structured approach ensures comprehensive coverage of Kobiashvili’s dual legacy in sports and politics, reflecting Georgia’s broader societal evolution. ## References 1. Biographical Dictionary of Georgia 2. Transfermarkt 3. FBref 4. As 5. kicker.de 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. [OpenSanctions](https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/Q155477)