Scandal at Vardar: Gerson expelled from quarantine after hotel incident in Ohrid

Skopje, 16 August 2026 — Vardar FC AD announced a sudden disciplinary measure today after forward Gerson Rodrigues was removed from the team’s quarantine in Ohrid following an incident on the eve of the club’s match against Struga Trim Ljume.

Club isolates player after hotel incident

According to team reports, Rodrigues arrived at the hotel used for the team’s pre-match bubble with a woman and was discovered together with her late at night. The episode was reported up the club’s hierarchy and, after internal consultations, the player was expelled from the squad in the early hours of the morning.

Teammates and members of the club’s staff expressed growing frustration with what they described as repeated breaches of discipline by the same player, and tensions around management practices linked to sporting and organizational decisions. The club lost the afternoon fixture against Struga, and Rodrigues watched the match from the stands, according to eyewitnesses.

Club sources say the episode follows other recent incidents involving the player, including published images from a few days earlier showing him relaxing with alcohol in a restaurant in Skopje. The cumulative effect prompted the club to take immediate action to restore discipline within the squad.

The situation has deepened existing unrest around the team’s leadership. Complaints about transfers of funds and one-way travel arrangements for certain staff and players were cited by insiders as part of a wider crisis that also preceded the departure of coach Fabijani.

Vardar officials warned that more personnel changes could follow as the club attempts to stabilise performance and management. Club representatives added that they expect a period of internal reorganisation while the team prepares for its next fixtures.

Photo: press material from the event