FC Iberia 1999
FC Iberia 1999, formerly known as FC Saburtalo, is a Georgian football club based in the Saburtalo District of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Founded on 20 August 1999, the club plays at Bendela Stadium with a capacity of 1,800 spectators. They compete in the Erovnuli Liga and have been the most decorated Georgian team since 2017 when the league was launched. Their notable achievements include multiple league titles, cup victories, and reaching the 3rd round of UEFA competitions twice.
History
Overview
General information about the club
FC Iberia 1999 is based in the Saburtalo District of Tbilisi and was founded on 20 August 1999. In 2005, the club was acquired by Iberia Business Group and its owner Tariel Khechikashvili, who later became the Minister of Sport & Youth Affairs of Georgia. On 27 February 2024, the team's name was officially changed from FC Saburtalo to Iberia 1999.
Most recent season and achievements
The club has established itself as the most successful Georgian team since 2017, consistently competing for domestic honors. They have won multiple league titles and cup trophies, with 2022 being the only year when the team failed to win any domestic tournament.
History
Early years
Saburtalo was founded on 20 August 1999 in Tbilisi. The club spent its early years developing and building its foundation in Georgian football.
Successful period
Following the 2014–15 season, Saburtalo won their respective Pirveli Liga group with a nineteen-point margin and advanced to the Umaglesi Liga. In 2018, under coach Gia Chiabrishvili, Saburtalo claimed the champion's title for the first time after not winning any silverware during the previous three seasons in the top-flight. A year later, they successfully completed their cup campaign after a 3–1 win over Locomotive in the final. In 2020, Saburtalo beat champions Dinamo Tbilisi to lift the Georgian Super Cup.
Current period
The team won their second league title under coach Levan Korgalidze. Next seasons saw the team winning two more cup trophies and another league title, establishing themselves as the dominant force in Georgian football.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
The club has won multiple league titles and cup trophies since their first championship in 2018. They have also secured the Georgian Super Cup, defeating champions Dinamo Tbilisi in 2020.
Continental and global competitions
Saburtalo made their debut in a UEFA competition in 2019 after being paired with Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol in the Champions League 1st qualifying round. They cruised to an away 3–0 victory, although survived an early scare in the return leg after conceding three goals within the opening ten minutes. The team has twice reached the 3rd round of UEFA competitions.
Symbols and Colors
Current logo and logo history
On 27 February 2024, the team's name was changed to Iberia 1999, reflecting the club's connection to the ancient kingdom of Iberia, a synonym for Kartli, which existed until the Early Middle Ages.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Nicknames
The name Saburtalo comes from one of Tbilisi's districts where the team academy and Bendela are located, while the term Iberia stems from an ancient kingdom which existed until the Early Middle Ages.
Ownership and finances
In 2005, the club was bought by Iberia Business Group and its owner Tariel Khechikashvili, who later became the Minister of Sport & Youth Affairs of Georgia.
Stadium
The club has a full-size stadium, called Bendela, with the capacity of 1,800 spectators, located in the Saburtalo district of Tbilisi.