Crystal Palace breach WSL rules with substitutions in victory over Everton

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THE WSL has launched an investigation after Crystal Palace “breached competition rules” in their opening-day win over Everton at the Gander Green Lane.

Lexi Lloyd-Smith’s first-half strike ensured Palace made a winning return to the top flight, but they could now face repercussions as a result of the number of substitution stoppages they made.

Teams are allowed to make up to five substitutions in a game but they must be done within a maximum of three windows. Palace used four.

Eagles boss Jo Potter made four substitutions, bringing on Abbie Larkin, Ashleigh Weerden, Allyson Swaby and Kirsty Howat in the 62nd, 83rd, 90th and seventh minute of stoppage time respectively.

The WSL said in a statement: “We can confirm there was a breach of competition rules in the Crystal Palace versus Everton match.

“Crystal Palace used a fourth substitution opportunity during a fourth stoppage in play, when the rules permit a maximum of three substitution opportunities per match.

“We will now conduct an investigation alongside both clubs and Pro Ref and update in due course.”

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