Sunday’s opening round match between Sloboden and title holders Studeniçan didn’t kick off as the visitors claimed the stadium isn’t suited for playing.

Photo by FK Sloboden Skopje: both teams talk about whether to play or not

The new season in the 4.MFL Kisela Vida started with problems right in the first round. Both teams and referees were present, but Studeniçan refused to play, claiming that the AMS Trubarevo stadion doesn’t require the minimum necessary conditions.

The inexperienced referee Mario Stojchevski decided the match not to start, but didn’t put the reasons in the COMET match report, only that “the field is unsuitable for playing”.

The same stadium was suitable last season when Sloboden hosted matches there, including a league match against the very same opponent.

Video of the pre-match happenings:

Sloboden reacted on its social media:

“29.09.2024 (Sunday) starting at 12:00 at the football stadium AMS Trubarevo in Skopje, the derby match was to be played within the 1st round of OFL Kisela Voda between the teams of FK Sloboden Skopje and KF Studeniçan Studenichani.

After the arrival of the two teams and the officials, the main referee concluded that the field was unfit for play and the match was not played.

The matter is in the hands of the Competition Commission of OFS Kisela Voda, which should make a decision during this week.

On the field where the match was to be played, we have played many matches before, even in the middle of winter and in much worse conditions. That gives us the right to be concerned that behind this decision not to play the 1st round derby, there is a bigger game.

We will respect the decision of the Kisela Voda Commission and we hope that it will be in the interest of the sport and that the match will be played on the green field and not on the green table.

Let the sport win.”

The other side announced that they expect the decision to be a green table win for Studeniçan.

“The match was not played because the referee decided that the field does not meet the requirements to play the match.

We believe that the match commission will decide in accordance with the rules and we will earn the points on the table.”