Shkendija Aračinovo demand penalty after 2-0 defeat — FFM stands by referees' decisions

Shkendija Aračinovo lost 2:0 to Aresimi in the fourth round of the national first league match played in Chair on 22 August 2026. After the game the visiting club publicly protested the refereeing, arguing that it was denied a clear penalty during the match.

FFM publishes VAR review and defends referees

In response the Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM) issued a written statement addressing two key incidents that were subject to review under the VAR protocol and confirmed the match officials’ decisions. The FFM also warned clubs against unsporting behaviour and announced that reports from match officials will be examined and sanctions applied where rules were breached.

“On the match of the fourth round of the First MFL, played at the stadium in Chair between the teams FC Shkendija Aračinovo and FC Aresimi, two key and particularly challenging situations for refereeing assessment were observed. In both cases the referee made entirely correct decisions, which, after checks carried out according to the VAR protocol and the established line of intervention, were correctly confirmed by the VAR referees.

In the 43rd minute of the match, the home team’s forward with number 30, while making a penetration into the penalty area of the visiting team, is positioned with his back to the opponent’s goal and without full control over the ball. Aware of the presence of the defensive player with number 16, the forward uses minimal contact, exaggerates its effect and attempts to induce a penalty. The referee is in the immediate vicinity, has a clear viewing angle and full control of the situation, therefore correctly judges that the contact does not constitute a foul for a penalty and allows play to continue. After the VAR check, in accordance with the protocol and the criteria for intervention, it was correctly determined that the referee’s decision does not represent a clear and obvious error. Therefore, there is no basis for VAR intervention, and the original decision rightfully remains in force.

The second challenging situation occurred in the 82nd minute, at the side of the penalty area of the visiting team. After a cross toward the goal, the defensive player wearing number 16 attempts to block the ball’s trajectory with a natural football movement of the body. The ball hits the player’s arm which is in a natural position, close to the body and does not make his body unnaturally bigger. The player does not move his arm toward the ball, nor is there an action that, under the Laws of the Game, would be considered a punishable handball. The referee also correctly judged in this situation that there was no penalty. After the VAR check, in accordance with the VAR protocol and the established line of intervention, his decision was correctly confirmed.

“The Football Federation of Macedonia emphasizes that these two refereeing situations, as well as any other decision made during a match, cannot and must not be used as justification or an alibi for unsporting, inappropriate, vulgar, aggressive or any other unacceptable behaviour. Physical actions directed at opposing players and members of the visiting team, as well as insults, threats and verbal attacks against referees and other officials, are especially unacceptable. At the same time, serious organisational shortcomings were also noted. Such conduct is contrary to the rules and regulations and will not be tolerated.

All incidents will be reviewed through the reports of the officials, after which the competent bodies of the FFM will act strictly, formally and fully in accordance with the applicable regulations. The responsibility for such behaviour cannot be relativised or shifted onto referees by disputing correctly made decisions. Every result, including every defeat, should be analysed objectively and accepted with sporting dignity. This is especially expected from club representatives and players, who through their conduct have an additional responsibility to protect the integrity of the competition and the reputation of Macedonian football.

The FFM stated it will remain transparent regarding the technical analysis and correctness of key refereeing decisions and invited an authorised representative of FC Shkendija Aračinovo to visit the FFM VAR centre where the two situations will be presented and professionally explained based on the Laws of the Game, the VAR protocol and the official criteria for refereeing assessment and intervention. “Facts and rules are the only relevant basis for assessing refereeing decisions, not emotions, pressures or subjective interpretations caused by the final result,” the statement concludes.

Shkendija Aračinovo published footage they say shows the moment they believe should have led to a penalty and reiterated their dissatisfaction with the officiating. The FFM warned that any inappropriate conduct after the match — including physical acts toward opposing players or insults to match officials — will be dealt with according to regulations.

Photo: press material from the event