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Freetown City FC have been relegated from the Sierra Leone Premier League following a decision on July 19th, 2024, by the league’s Disciplinary Committee to award three points and two goals to Wilberforce Strikers.
On June 30th – the penultimate day of the league – a controversial penalty was awarded to Wilberforce Strikers in the 52nd minute, with FCFC leading 1-0. This decision prompted the match to be halted and subsequently called off by the referee.
“FCFC forfeits the match, awarding 3 points and 2 goals to Wilberforce Strikers FC as per Rule 24.2 paragraphs b, c, and d,” states a report from the Emergency Disciplinary and Protest Committee.
The report also notes that players Abdul K. Turay and Aruna Kamara have been fined 2 million Leones each and suspended for 3 matches. Head coach Alusine B. Kargbo, Assistant coach Mohamed S. Kamara, team doctor Mohamed Bockarie, and management representative Ishmaila Bah are each fined 3 million Leones ‘for their roles in halting the match and inciting supporters’.
“FCFC is fined Ten Thousand New Leones [10 million Leones] for the collective misconduct of its players, officials, and supporters,” the report continues.
Despite Real Republicans losing 4-1 to Ports Authority, which could have saved FCFC, the Disciplinary Committee’s decision has condemned Freetown City FC to relegation while Republicans remain in the Premier League.
Reacting to the report, Secretary General of FCFC, Abu Bakarr Bookish Kamara, described the decision as ‘saddening’ and ‘embarrassing’. “FCFC will challenge this decision using all legitimate local and international redress mechanisms to ensure justice is served.”
