North Macedonia in talks with Luk Becvinovski, but he is going with Australia to the U17 World Cup
Becvinovski is on Australia’s U17 roster for the World Cup in Qatar; FFM has contacted him and his family but the player is still a high-school pupil.
The Football Federation of North Macedonia is actively pursuing Luk Becvinovski, but for now the 2009-born forward appears set to travel with Australia to the upcoming U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Background and current situation
Becvinovski, a highly rated striker who plays for Central Coast, is listed in Australia’s squad for the tournament. He has featured for Australia’s U17s, registering five goals in 13 appearances for that age group.
Football in Australia has long benefited from a sizeable Macedonian diaspora — present there for more than a century — which has produced players with Macedonian roots such as Daniel Georgievski, Stefan Cholakovski, Kulesku and Metju Bozhinovski. Others, like Ben Kantarovski, ultimately chose Australia.
FFM has already opened contact with Becvinovski and his family, but the federation recognises the practical difficulties of switching a player who is still a secondary-school pupil. That age and schooling present administrative and development hurdles to an immediate change of national colours.
There is, however, precedent that gives the Macedonian side hope: most of the players we have recruited from Australia arrived in the U21 generation, which suggests Becvinovski could still change his international allegiance later — possibly by the time he reaches U21 level.
The Australian U17 squad also includes another player with Macedonian roots: Besian Kutleshi, who plays for Melbourne City as a central defensive midfielder.
Photo: press material from the event
