WSL investigating after Palace break substitution rules

The Women's Super League says an investigation is under way after Crystal Palace breached a rule by using four substitution windows in Sunday's 1-0 home win over Everton.

League regulations only allow a maximum of three substitution windows per team per match.

The Eagles had already made changes in the 62nd, 83rd and 90th minutes when boss Jo Potter brought on forward Kirsty Howat in the seventh of eight minutes of stoppage time.

The Athletic reported, external the match officials, including referee Megan Wilson, have been stood down from the next round of fixtures.

Wilson has been officiating in the WSL since 2023 and has overseen more than 45 games across the WSL 2, the WSL and Cup competitions.

The league confirmed the investigation will involve both clubs and referee body Pro Ref, formerly the PGMOL.

There is no automatic punishment for substitution rule breaches in the WSL's rules, but Palace could be referred to an independent tribunal, which has the power to impose sanctions ranging from a warning or fine to a points deduction or other sporting penalties.

Both clubs have been approached for comment.

Palace travel to Arsenal in their next WSL fixture on Sunday, while Everton welcome Charlton.

We have entered uncharted territory when it comes to a team using too many substitute windows.

There are many examples of teams introducing too many substitutes, or bringing on players not on the teamsheet, in cup games – which usually sees the tie get replayed.

Five years ago, Exeter were ordered to re-stage their 3-0 FA Cup first-round replay win against Bradford City after they made six substitutions.

But leagues games tend to be judged differently, and the Crystal Palace offence is very specific.

It is not that the Eagles used too many subs, but that they have used too many windows.

There appears to be no record of this happening in English football since five substitutes were brought in during Covid, so the WSL will be setting the precedent for any punishment.

We have seen rule breaches only result in financial penalties before, such as Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday being fined for naming more than the permitted five loan players in a matchday squad.

Two years ago, Grimsby Town escaped with a fine after one of the players who played in their EFL Cup penalty shootout win over Manchester United was registered after the deadline for the match.

Part of the responsibility falls on the match officials, too. They should have been fully aware that Palace had used their three substitution slots and not allowed the change to take place.

But as the Exeter example shows, full responsibility would never be put on the match officials alone.

A fine seems most likely, but the WSL may take into account the Palace were leading 1-0 in stoppage time and made an additional tactical change.