Churlinov Ruled Out for Switzerland — Not Injury, But an Unresolved Status in Poland
Pogoń Szczecin was late with the paperwork. Macedonia opens the cycle 26 September against World Cup quarter-finalists.
Darko Churlinov will not play for the national team in the upcoming Nations League cycle against Switzerland, Slovenia and Scotland (26 September - 6 October) — not due to injury, but because of an unresolved work and residence status in Poland, where he plays for Pogoń Szczecin.
According to reports, the Polish club started the paperwork process late — Churlinov's call-up invitation was sent three weeks ago, but completing the documentation requires at least two weeks, which currently doesn't allow him to leave Poland without risking his residence status. The Football Federation of Macedonia remains in contact with all parties involved, and the country's embassy has been informed.
Coach Goce Sedloski will decide separately whether to call up a replacement. The cycle opens on 26 September in Skopje against Switzerland — World Cup quarter-finalists, in Macedonia's first appearance in this higher Nations League division.
Churlinov's absence, one of the squad's more experienced players, comes in the busiest cycle in the national team's recent history — four matches in eleven days — right before its first test against an opponent of this calibre.
MKNews Hub · Sport · September 23, 2026