Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Real Republicans have been relegated from the top-flight competition following the replay of the 2023/2024 season match between Wilberforce Strikers and Freetown City FC. The replay, held on the morning of August 30, 2024, at the Football Academy in Kingtom, ended in a goalless draw.
The match replay was necessitated by a controversial incident that occurred on June 30, 2024, during the original fixture. In that game, a disputed penalty awarded to Wilberforce Strikers in the 52nd minute, while FCFC was leading 1-0, led to the match being halted and subsequently called off by the referee.
Initially, on July 19, 2024, the disciplinary committee’s decision awarded three points and two goals to Wilberforce Strikers, effectively relegating Freetown City FC. However, ten days later, on July 29, 2024, the Emergency Appeals Committee overturned this ruling, ruling in favour of FCFC and preventing their relegation.
The dispute continued as Wilberforce Strikers appealed the decision to the SLFA Appeals Committee on August 7, 2024. On August 16, 2024, the SLFA Appeals Committee ordered a full replay of the match to ensure fairness and justice, to be conducted behind closed doors.
As a result of the final decision, Real Republicans have become the third team to be relegated from the recently concluded Leone Rock Premier League, joining Kahunla Rangers FC and Kholifa Stars FC in the lower division. BT/31/8/2024
