FC Gonio

FC Gonio (საფეხბურთო კლუბი გონიო) is a Georgian association football club based in Gonio, the southern settlement of Batumi.

They started taking part in the national league in 2021 and have since achieved two promotions within the three seasons. As winners of the 2023 season in Liga 4, Gonio have secured a place in Liga 3 for 2024.

History
The club was established in April 2021 and included in the Regionuli Liga West Group tournament for the upcoming season. After two initial wins under manager Giorgi Zoidze, Gonio afterwards stayed in midtable. In early July, before the season resumed, a new head coach was appointed. During this season, the team recorded six victories with a large margin, including 8–0 in October.

The next year Gonio made their debut in the David Kipiani Cup, the Georgian National Cup, where they beat two opponents, including a third-tier team. Gonio were involved in the promotion chase along with two other clubs throughout the league season. They eventually came second in the table and qualified for the play-offs. In a crucial game held in Batumi, Gonio cruised to victory over Gldani and secured promotion to the fourth division. Before the start of their new league campaign, Gonio signed several players with even a top-tier experience and unveiled their ambitious plan to advance further into the third division. An initial five-game winning run in Liga 4 indicated that they were serious title contenders. On 28 June 2023, Gonio recorded the biggest win in their history (14:1). Together with Betlemi Keda, in September they became a co-author of a unique occasion in Georgian football when a club gained promotion with seven matches still to play. Gonio continued an unbeaten streak during the remaining period and won the champion's title.

Squad
As of 12 March 2024

(C)

Honours
Regionuli Liga Liga 4
 * Runners-up (1): 2022, Group C
 * Champions (1): 2023

Stadium
The team's home ground is the Central stadium, although some matches occasionally are also held at Akhalsopeli stadium near Khelvachauri.

Name
The town of Gonio is located at a historic place famous for its Roman-era fortress.