Darko Velkovski omitted from Sedloski’s squad after move to Bahrain

Darko Velkovski was not mentioned when coach Goce Sedloski presented North Macedonia’s squad for the upcoming Nations League cycle, raising questions about the defender’s place in the national team after his move from Vardar to Bahraini side Al Khalidiya.

The 31-year-old centre‑back, who until recently played a key role at Vardar and helped the club win the domestic title, was named MVP for Al Khalidiya in their Asian Champions League tie on the same day Sedloski held his press conference.

Recent form and international record

Velkovski has 55 caps for North Macedonia and scored one of the most important goals in the country’s football history—his strike against Kosovo in the play-off that opened the way to qualification for the 2020 European Championship.

Since Sedloski took charge, Velkovski featured in three of the four matches the new coach has overseen. Yet for the next Nations League cycle Sedloski opted to leave the experienced defender off the list, a decision that surprised many supporters and pundits.

Observers pointed out that, given Velkovski’s continental commitments and immediate impact at Al Khalidiya—he was among the best players in a 0:0 home draw with Nasaf Karshi—team officials could at least have acknowledged the omission publicly.

As some commentators put it, they could have at least mentioned him and said: "Because of this and that, the player is not in the current plans."

Photo: press material from the event