Freetown City Football Club has been relegated from the Sierra Leone Premier League following a decision on Friday, July 19th, 2024, by the league’s Disciplinary Committee to award three points and two goals to Wilberforce Strikers.
It could be recalled that on June 30th during the last day of the League a controversial penalty was awarded to Wilberforce Strikers in the 52nd minute, with FCFC leading 1-0. That 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,” stated a report from the Emergency Disciplinary and Protest Committee.
The report also noted that players Abdul K. Turay and Aruna Kamara have been fined Le 2, 000 each and suspended for 3 matches. Head-Coach Alusine B. Kargbo, his Assistant Mohamed S. Kamara, Team-Doctor Mohamed Bockarie, and Management Representative Ishmaila Bah have been fined Le 3,000 ‘for their roles in halting the match and inciting supporters’.
“FCFC is fined Le 10,000 for the collective misconduct of its players, officials, and supporters,” the report continued.
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 remains 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.”