Georgian Championship. Second League
The Georgian Second League Championship is a vital tier of professional football in Georgia, where ambitious clubs vie for promotion to the top flight. Featuring teams from across the country, it delivers thrilling matches filled with drama and surprises. In the 2023/24 season, 16 squads compete for two direct spots in the Erovnuli League and a playoff chance.
History and foundation
Established in 1990 post-independence, the Second League navigated early challenges like financial woes and instability. Under the Georgian Football Federation since the 2000s, it has flourished. Notably, Iberia 1999 from Tbilisi clinched the title in 2010 with a 10-game unbeaten streak, while Samgurali from Lanchkhuti earned promotion in 2018 and won the Georgian Cup. It's a talent hotbed, launching stars like Giorgi Kvilitaia and Nika Kvekveskiri.
Tournament format
The format is a double round-robin: 16 teams play home and away, earning points. Top two promote directly to Erovnuli League; 11th-14th stay put; 15th enters survival playoffs with First League sides; bottom drops to Second League B. Season runs August to May, with winter and international breaks.
Interesting facts
Renowned for high-scoring games, averaging 2.8 goals per match, it's among Georgia's most attacking leagues. In 2023/24, Giorgi Arabuli of Wit Georgia led scorers with 22 goals. Standouts include Levan Chikladze (150+ league goals) and rising star David Siradze, now at Dinamo Tbilisi. The league produces robust strikers and inventive midfielders who shine in higher divisions.