Rati Mskvilidze, former Eurofarm Rabotnik player, dies at 40

The handball community in Georgia and North Macedonia is mourning the sudden death of former Georgian international Rati Mskvilidze. He was 40 years old and remembered for a long playing career that included a season in Bitola with Eurofarm Rabotnik, the club now known as Eurofarm Pelister.

Mskvilidze featured for Eurofarm Rabotnik in the 2017/2018 season, playing at right back as the team sought to consolidate its place domestically and in European competitions. During his time in Bitola he also took part in EHF Challenge Cup fixtures.

Club career across Europe

Born and raised in Georgia, Mskvilidze gained experience at home with Shevardeni Tbilisi and Batumi before moving abroad. His professional stops included Icelandic side Stjarnan, Serbian club Metaloplastika and a spell in Turkey with Trabzon, where he finished his playing career in the 2021/2022 season.

After retiring from professional play, Mskvilidze remained active in handball as a coach, working with youth teams and passing on his knowledge to younger generations.

The Georgian Handball Federation confirmed his death and released a statement expressing deep sorrow: "Rati Mskvilidze had a significant contribution to the development of Georgian handball. His death represents a great loss for Georgian handball and the sports community," the federation said.

No official cause of death has yet been announced and authorities have not published further details about the circumstances. Teammates, coaches and fans in the many places where he played have paid tribute to his career and to his commitment to youth development.

Photo: press material from the event