After 10 years in the position, Haralampie Hadji-Risteski is no longer the FFM president as he resigned from his post and was replaced by Ilcho Gjorgjioski, the manager of Vardar.

The move to appoint Gjorgjioski was expected since he was the only candidate after Masar Omeragikj withdrew from consideration.  The 40-year-old Gjorgjioski served as manager of Vardar over the past year but will now leave that post to take over as president of the Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM).

After he was officially named the FFM president, Gjorgjioski said, “At today’s general assembly, we showed that the Macedonian football has a future.  This confidence in me represents a great commitment.  I am a football guy and promise daily 24 hour dedication to the job.  We will become transparent and enhance the cooperation with both UEFA and FIFA.  I am certain that we will bring a new atmosphere, improve the infrastructure and restore confidence in Macedonian football.”

Meanwhile, Hadji-Risteski stated, “I submit the resignation for personal reasons and ask the assembly to accept it.  I want to thank the delegates for the 10 year collaboration.  If I’m the one who is preventing success in Macedonian football, I will resign and give the chance to the younger people.”

This is certainly a good day for the future of Macedonian football.  Gjorgjioski is a respected name who has both played and managed in Macedonia and knows the problems facing the domestic football.  He also turned around the fortunes at Vardar over the past season by taking over a struggling club and making them the defending champions.  Hadji-Risteski, on the other hand, was scrutinized and criticized immensely by the Macedonian football fans, and it was in the best interest of FFM to take this step and bring new leadership to turn around the fortunes of the federation.