Sagnol sacked by Georgia after goal conceded in 99th minute against Northern Ireland

Willy Sagnol is no longer Georgia’s head coach. The Georgian Football Federation dismissed him on Friday, the day after a home defeat to Northern Ireland (0-1) in the opening match of the Nations League group stage.

The final blow came from Shea Charles, Fulham midfielder, who scored the only goal of the match in the closing seconds of added time (90+9). Georgia had had the chance to take the lead, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Paris Saint-Germain player, missed a penalty during the match.

“Thank you, Willy Sagnol, for every minute spent with the Georgian national team and for the emotions we shared together on this historic journey,” the federation wrote in its dismissal statement, notably referring to Euro 2024, where Georgia reached the round of 16 — a historic first for the national team.

Sagnol took charge of the Crusaders in February 2021. In 54 matches on the bench, he has a record of 24 wins, 10 draws and 20 defeats. His successor is already known: the federation has entrusted the national team to Georgian manager Ramaz Svanadze until the end of 2028.