Mikheil Kavelashvili, 53, a former Manchester City player, is all set to be Georgia’s next president after the ruling Georgian Dream party selected him as its candidate for the upcoming December 14 election.

Former Manchester City striker Mikheil Kavelashvili is set to become the president of Georgia after the country's ruling party nominated him as their candidate.

Georgia's ruling party on Wednesday nominated far-right politician, former football international Mikheil Kavelashvili for the largely ceremonial post of president, aiming to strengthen its grip on power.

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, announced the decision on Wednesday, calling the 53-year-old former deputy and footballer “the embodiment of a Georgian man” before a vote on the mostly ceremonial position on December 14.

Mikheil Kavelashvili expected to take up ceremonial role after nationwide elections scrapped by pro-Kremlin government

Former Manchester City striker Mikheil Kavelashvili is set to become the next president of Georgia after the country's ruling party nominated him as their candidate.

Former Georgia national soccer star Mikheil Kavelashvili is set to become the country's new president. The former Premier League striker was nominated by the ruling, Russia-friendly, Georgia Dream party.

Georgian Dream picks Mikheil Kavelashvili as presidential candidate amid protests and opposition backlash over disputed parliamentary elections.View on euronews

Georgia's governing party has picked a former soccer player as its candidate for president following a disputed victory in last month’s parliamentary election that has sparked protests and led to an opposition boycott of parliament.

His election to a largely ceremonial post is all but assured, again signalling a shift towards Russia. Read more at straitstimes.com.