CAS upholds FFM decision; FK Gostivar and Enes Usta lose appeal

On 11 September 2026 the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne dismissed in full the appeals lodged by FK Gostivar and Enes Usta and confirmed the disciplinary decisions issued by the Football Federation of North Macedonia (FFM).

The dispute concerned sanctions imposed after the match FK Gostivar – FK Rabotnicki (29th round, 1st Macedonian Football League, competition season 2024/2025). The disciplinary procedure addressed organisational shortcomings at the fixture, the presence of unauthorised persons in official areas and the abandonment of the pitch by the FK Gostivar team. In the proceedings before FFM bodies the club received disciplinary penalties, including a deduction of points, while Enes Usta was sanctioned for his conduct and for instigating events that led to the match being halted.

CAS findings and legal effect

After reviewing the appeals, CAS concluded that the rulings of FFM’s disciplinary and appeals bodies were adopted in accordance with the applicable rules and that the sanctions were appropriate and proportionate to the established breaches. As a result, the appeals of FK Gostivar and Enes Usta were rejected and the contested FFM decisions were upheld in full. The CAS award in this case is final and not subject to further appeal.

The decision is notable for FFM because it is the first instance in which the Federation successfully defended its own rulings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. The ruling was also read as confirmation that FFM’s decisions are grounded in the provisions and principles of football law and are subject to independent international judicial review.

FFM stressed that it will continue to act in accordance with its regulations, statutory provisions and the principles of UEFA and FIFA, with the declared aim of protecting the integrity of competitions, upholding the rule of law in football and ensuring equal treatment of all participants.

FFM has previously been involved in CAS procedures: in 2011 Masar Omeragić won a case at CAS against the then leadership of the Federation after having been suspended for life from football and thereby prevented from standing for the presidency of FFM. There was also a CAS decision involving the Federation in a dispute with former national team coach Mirsad Jonuz concerning unpaid contractual obligations.

Photo: press material from the event