Ilievski to carry on the fight
Friday, October 25, 2002
Article summary
F.Y.R. Macedonia coach Nikola Ilievski has signed a four-year deal with the Macedonian Football Union.
Article body
F.Y.R. Macedonia coach Nikola Ilievski has ended doubts over his future by signing a four-year deal with the Macedonian Football Union (FSM).
New agreement
Ilievski had threatened to resign before his side's excellent 2-2 draw against England at Southampton in a EURO 2004™ qualifying game, claiming that he had not been paid for his work, but has now agreed a new deal which will expire on 31 December 2005.
Ilievski pleased
"I signed the contract on Wednesday as I was pleased with a promise of the FSM management that no one would interfere in my work as some officials were trying to do before," said Ilievski. "If the FSM meets all my requirements and ensures good conditions for the squad including good pay for the players I can guarantee a good performance from our side."
Performance bonuses
The 48-year-old coach took over last month in place of Gjore Jovanovski who resigned in December 2001 after the country failed to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals. F.Y.R. Macedonia lie third in the Group Seven table with two points behind Turkey and England, but the FSM has promised bonuses of €10,000 to each player for the draw in England and another €3,000 for their good performance against Turkey.
