May 16 – Supporters of North Macedonia’s most decorated club Vardar Skopje are making a new attempt to save their team, which has been torn apart by financial problems.
The fans have launched a donation campaign which they hope will raise funds to keep the keep functioning normally.
The situation at Vardar is desperate with players having being only intermittently throughout the season. Club owner Slobodan Krastevski has said that he is no longer able to support the club financially and is ready to give away 25% of his shares to the club’s supporters.
Krastevski said he was in negotiations with foreign investors, but it seems that the talks have broken down, prompting fans to take matters into their own hands with their own fund raising campaign through a donation platform.
Fans can donate any amount with the first few days following the launch of the campaign seeing nearly €4,000 raised. The initial goal is to raise €10,000.
“Support FC Vardar now! The time has come for an urgent action! It’s our turn,” said a fan statement. “The ultras, the fans, everyone who is fed up with the malpractice, impropriety and the club’s misuse!
“We invite all of you, red and black enthusiasts, to click on the displayed link and donate in accordance with your budget. The funds will be used specifically for the club and the group…”
“The amount and the place where the donations come from are irrelevant, the cause is eternal,” continued the statement.
“For our Vardar, our pride. For our glorious past and even brighter future we will fight together! You are Vardar, don’t look next to you. Therefore, donate and be part of the resurrection of Macedonia’s greatest pride – FC Vardar!”
Vardar finished third in the final league standings of the Second North Macedonian League and will play a decisive playoff for entry into the top tier against FC Skopje on May 21.
Contact the writer of this story, Alexander Krassimirov, at moc.l1734937353labto1734937353ofdlr1734937353owedi1734937353sni@o1734937353fni1734937353