Macedonian club Vardar disputes FFM disciplinary action over private title celebration

The Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM) opened a disciplinary procedure against FK Vardar after players and guests sang offensive, discriminatory songs targeting singer Carolina Gocheva during a celebration of the club’s championship win. Vardar replied with a written statement to the FFM disciplinary commission, asserting that the incident occurred at a private gathering in a hospitality venue, not at an official club‑organized event. The club argues that the federation’s regulations hold clubs responsible only for actions taken during official matches, tournaments or events under club control, and therefore there is no legal basis for sanctioning Vardar as a legal entity. Vardar requests that the disciplinary case be closed, stating that any misconduct by individuals at the private party should be dealt with through civil or criminal channels, not through football disciplinary measures.