By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

The Secretary General of Freetown City Football Club, Abubakarr Kamara has told Africa24 that FCFC narrowly escaped relegation and secured their place in the Sierra Leone Premier League by avoiding relegation with a goalless draw against Wilberforce Strikers at the SLFA Academy over the weekend.

The City Boys were previous 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. The said match had been replayed following an appeal from FCFC and a public outcry for the Football Association to give way equality rule to be applied by eventually deciding on the outcome of the match. This result has lifted them out of the relegation zone, securing their spot in the top flight for the upcoming season. Nevertheless, Real Republicans, Kholifa Stars, and Kahula Rangers have been legitimately relegated from the league.