The Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM) informed that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne has fully dismissed the appeals filed by FK Gostivar and Enes Usta and upheld the decisions made by the competent FFM bodies.
The case concerns sanctions imposed following the match between Gostivar and Rabotnichki (Round 29, 1.MFL, 2024/25) due to organizational failures, the presence of unauthorized persons in official areas, and the Gostivar team walking off the pitch. During the proceedings before FFM bodies, the club received appropriate disciplinary sanctions, including a points deduction, while Enes Usta was sanctioned for his conduct and for instigating the events that led to the match being abandoned.
After reviewing the appeals, CAS in Lausanne concluded that the decisions made by FFM’s disciplinary and appellate bodies were in accordance with applicable regulations and that the sanctions imposed were appropriate and proportionate to the established infractions. Consequently, the appeals filed by FK Gostivar and Enes Usta have been dismissed, and the contested FFM decisions have been fully upheld.
“The CAS decision holds particular significance for the FFM, as it marks the first instance in which the Federation has successfully defended its decisions before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. It also serves as confirmation that the decisions made by the FFM’s competent bodies are grounded in the regulations and principles of football law and are subject to independent international legal review.” – said FFM in a statement.
The FFM has previously been involved in proceedings before the CAS. In 2011, the current FFM president, Masar Omeragić, won a dispute before the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the Federation’s leadership at the time, after having previously been banned from football for life—a move that had prevented him from running for the FFM presidency.
A ruling was also issued against the Federation by the CAS in a dispute with the former Macedonian national team head coach, Mirsad Jonuz, regarding outstanding financial obligations under his contract.
“Today’s CAS decision regarding the case of FK Gostivar and Enes Usta serves as an important affirmation of the principle that football regulations must apply equally to everyone and that compliance with them is fundamental to safeguarding the integrity of the competition.” – added FFM.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne is an independent international institution specializing in the resolution of sports-related disputes, particularly appeals against decisions made by sports federations and organizations.
The decision rendered by the CAS in this case is final. CAS is the highest body for resolving such sports disputes, and there is no right of appeal against the decision in this case.
After Gostivar abandoned the match against Raboitnichki, later did not appear for two other matches. FFM then punished Gostivar by deducting a total of 27 points, issued a fine of 25,000 Euros and relegated Gostivar to the lowest tier, but banning the club from entering any league for the season 2025/26. Therefore, the club named Gostivar that last season played in the fourth league and this season will play in the third is not by any means connected to the punished Gostivar nor it is its fenix club.
“The Football Federation of Macedonia will continue to act consistently in accordance with its regulations, statutory provisions, and the principles of UEFA and FIFA, with the sole aim of protecting the integrity of the competition, the rule of law in football, and the equal treatment of all participants in football competitions.” concluded the FFM.