ZRK Kumanovo excluded from Women’s Super League, RK Despina promoted
Handball Federation invokes Article 23 and the 2025/26 ranking; RK Despina promoted while ZRK Kumanovo is excluded from the Super League.
The Handball Federation of North Macedonia announced on 24.08.2026 that ZRK Kumanovo has been removed from the Women’s Super League, citing competition regulations.
Federation cites Article 23 and 2025/26 ranking
In its statement the federation referred to the applicable rules and the season standings: "According to the ranking from the 2025/26 competition season, RK Despina is the new member of the Super Women's Handball League. This follows the previously made decision of ZRK Ovche Pole SU to continue to compete in the First Women's Handball League," the statement reads.
The decision is said to be based on Article 23 of the competition regulations for the Super Women's Handball League, which the federation invoked when determining the league's composition for the coming season.
No further procedural details or disciplinary findings were included in the federation's brief release. The federation only stated that, "ZRK Kumanovo will not be part of the elite group," without elaborating on appeals or next steps for the club.
The change alters the list of participants for the upcoming national championship; RK Despina will join the top tier while ZRK Ovche Pole SU remains in the First Women's Handball League following its earlier decision.
Published 24.08.2026 16:00. Written by: Saso Kuzmanovski.
Photo: press material from the event
