Aracinovo’s wish fulfilled — Milenko Nedelkovski stays ahead of Vardar clash

Aracinovo’s supporters got what they asked for ahead of the Skopje derby: Milenko Nedelkovski remains the club’s executive director on the day their team faces Vardar.

Back in early August, when Vardar suffered defeat to Shkëndija Tetovo and then exited European competition, discontent among the champion’s fans escalated and calls for change grew louder. The Aracinovo side chimed in on social media with a direct appeal: "They asked Vardar not to change the director at least until September 20..."

Match details and the crowd situation

The day they referenced arrived on September 19 and Aracinovo meet Vardar at 20:00 on the pitch of the Football Federation of North Macedonia. Vardar has been sanctioned, so the match will be played behind closed doors — the stadium will be empty.

For Aracinovo, who are competing in their first top‑flight season, the encounter comes with momentum: they enter the fixture holding a two‑point advantage in the table and with hopes of a fresh surprise against the capital side.

Vardar, meanwhile, have a new coach in Miodrag “Grof” Božović, who appears to have restored discipline within the squad, but results and the level of play have yet to return to what is expected of a national champion.

On the eve of the match a video circulated on social media showing Nedelkovski’s Sharplaninci dogs chasing players at the club’s Hippodrome training base. No one was hurt; the clip was read by many as a sign that the players are fit and capable of sprinting when required — something they will have to prove on the pitch.

Despite the empty stands, the game is set to be followed by viewers at home, and the outcome will show whether Aracinovo’s gamble and the fans’ intervention had any effect on the defending champions.

Photo: press material from the event