The Leone Rock Premier League Emergency Appeals Committee has overturned the decision of 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 Freetown City Football Club (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.

Freetown City FC was relegated from the Premier League as a result of this decision on July 19th, 2024.

However, following an appeal, the Emergency Appeals Committee has ordered that the remaining minutes of the match between Freetown City FC and Wilberforce Strikers be played in accordance with Rule 23.2 to Rule 23.2.8 of the SLFA Premier League Rules and Regulations 2023.

The ruling also overturned the fine of NLE 2000 imposed on Abdul K. Turay, the captain of Freetown City FC. The Committee found that Turay acted within his rights as captain when he spoke to the referee and that there was no substantial evidence of assault beyond the referee’s report.

The full ruling of the Emergency Appeals Committee reads below:

1. That in the circumstance herein, the remaining minutes of the Match between Freetown City Football Club and Wilberforce Strikers be played in accordance with RULE 23.2 to Rule 23.2.8 of the SLFA PREMIER LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 2023

2. That the fine of NLE 2000 levied against Abdul K Turay, the captain of Freetown City Football Club be reversed and overturned as he was acting within his remits as the captain of his team when he went to speak to the referee and there’s no evidence to prove he assaulted the referee aside the referee’s report.

3. That the fine of NLE2000 levied against Aruna Kamara by the Emergency Disciplinary and Protest committee remains enforceable.

4. That the fines of NLE3000 levied on coach Alusine B. Kargbo, assistant coach Mohamed S. Kamara, team Doctor Mohamed S. Bockarie and management representative Ishmaila Bah be reversed and overturned. 5. That the fine of NLE 10000 levied against Freetown City Football Club for the collective misconduct of its officials and supporters remains enforceable.

6. That a fine of NLE 10000 is levied on Wilberforce Strikers Football club for the collective misconduct of its players, officials and supporters.

7. That the recommendation proferred by The Emergency Disciplinary and Protest committee for John Dissa to be reprimanded for unprofessional conduct and personal grievances be ignored and that he maintains his position in the League for conducting himself professionally.