Darko Velkovski to leave Vardar for Bahrain

Darko Velkovski has agreed to leave Vardar and continue his career in Bahrain, the defender confirmed on August 17, 2026, a day after his club’s defeat to Struga Trim Lum.

Velkovski, a current Macedonia international centre-back, is set to join Al Haldie, the Bahraini side that finished as vice-champion of its domestic league and is coached by Goran Tomic.

Blow to Vardar amid internal turmoil

The departure deepens the crisis at Vardar, which has been rocked by scandals, organizational problems and player unrest. Club sources say Velkovski decided to accept the first solid offer after assessing the situation inside the squad and the management.

Sporting staff now have limited options at centre-back: Mislav Matic and Filip Najdovski remain as the primary alternatives, though neither is seen as a complete long-term solution for stabilising the defence.

Recent controversies surrounding Gerson Rodriguez have intensified the club’s problems and contributed to what team insiders describe as a near-collapse. Many voices inside and outside Vardar call for radical changes in club management and the immediate appointment of a serious head coach supported by a new group of assistants.

For the champion side, Velkovski’s exit is the first in what is expected to be a series of departures unless swift restructuring follows.

Photo: press material from the event