Crystal Palace are under investigation by the Women’s Super League after using four substitution windows during their 1-0 victory over Everton on Sunday.
The newly promoted side won their first match back in the WSL through Lexi Lloyd-Smith’s first-half goal, but the league subsequently confirmed that Palace had breached competition rules by making substitutions during four separate stoppages.
WSL rules allow teams to make up to five substitutions during a match, but those changes must be made across a maximum of three substitution opportunities. Palace remained within the five-player limit but used one window too many.
What happened in Crystal Palace vs Everton?
Palace made substitutions during the 62nd, 83rd and 90th minutes of Sunday’s match, using all three permitted opportunities. However, manager Jo Potter then made another change deep into stoppage time.
Kirsty Howat was introduced in the 97th minute, creating a fourth substitution window. The change was allowed to take place by the match officials despite Palace having already used their three permitted opportunities.
The WSL later confirmed that a breach had occurred. In a statement, the league said Palace had used a fourth substitution opportunity during a fourth stoppage in play when competition rules permit a maximum of three.
An investigation will now be conducted involving Crystal Palace, Everton and refereeing body Pro Ref.
Could Crystal Palace lose points?
There is currently no confirmed punishment for Crystal Palace. The WSL regulations do not provide an automatic sanction specifically for this type of substitution breach, meaning the outcome will depend on the investigation.
If the matter is referred to an independent tribunal, a range of sanctions could potentially be available. These can include a warning, fine, points deduction or another sporting sanction.
A replay has also been raised as a possible outcome in reports, although no decision has been made. For now, Palace’s 1-0 victory remains the recorded result.
Match officials also under scrutiny
The incident also raises questions over why Palace’s fourth substitution window was permitted.
According to reports, referee Megan Wilson and the officiating team from the match have been stood down from the next round of WSL and WSL 2 fixtures while the incident is investigated.
Pro Ref, the organisation responsible for overseeing match officials in the WSL, is involved in the league’s investigation.
The case is unusual because Palace did not make too many substitutions. Instead, the breach relates specifically to the number of separate opportunities used to make them.
Lloyd-Smith goal had given Palace winning WSL return
The investigation follows what had been a successful return to the WSL for Crystal Palace. Summer signing Lexi Lloyd-Smith scored the only goal of the match in the 34th minute to give Jo Potter’s side all three points against Everton.
It was Palace’s first match following their return to the top flight. The Eagles are due to face Arsenal away in their next WSL fixture, while Everton will look for their first points of the season against Charlton Athletic.
The WSL has said it will provide a further update following its investigation.
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