30
Jul

Intriguing Twist to Sierra Leone Premier League Relegation Saga

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Freetown City and Wilberforce Strikers have been granted a replay by the Premier League Emergency Appeals Committee, overturning the previous decision. However, no date has been communicated for the replay of the remainder of the time of June’s 30th top-tier football contest, which was later abandoned due to chaos.

The issue began on June 30, the second-to-last day of the League. With Freetown City Football Club (FCFC) leading 1-0, a disputed penalty had been awarded to Wilberforce Strikers in the 52nd minute which resulted in the match being stopped and eventually called off by the referee.

A replay win for Freetown City will mean Real Republicans are relegated from the Sierra Leone top- tier men’s football league.

In the previous ruling on July 19th, 2024, the Disciplinary Committee awarded three points and two goals to Wilberforce Strikers, claiming that FCFC fans, officials and players had behaved improperly. FCFC denied such claims.

A recap of the Emergency Appeals Committee’s decision. The Emergency Appeals Committee’s report states thus:

  1. That the remaining minutes of the match between Freetown City Football Club and Wilberforce Strikers be played according to Rule 23.2 to Rule 23.2.8 of the SLFA Premier League Rules and Regulations 2023.
  2. That the fine imposed on Abdul K. Turay, the Captain of Freetown City Football Club be lifted because The Committee did not find corroborating evidence supporting the claim that he assaulted the referee.
  3. 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.
  4. That the fine of NLE2000 levied against Aruna Kamara by the Emergency Disciplinary and Protest committee remains enforceable.
  5. 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.
  6.  That the fine of NLE 10000 levied against Freetown City Football Club for the collective misconduct of its officials and supporters remains enforceable.
  7.  That a fine of NLE 10000 levied on Wilberforce Strikers Football club for the collective misconduct of its players, officials and supporters be enforced.
  8. That the recommendation preferred by The Emergency Disciplinary and Protest committee for John Dissa to be reprimanded for unprofessional conduct and personal grievances be ignored.