WSL investigating after Palace break substitution rules

What the report says

The Women’s Super League has opened an investigation after Crystal Palace were said to have broken substitution rules in their 1-0 win over Everton, according to BBC Sport Football. The issue centres on Palace making four separate substitution windows during the match at the Borough Sports Ground on Sunday, which exceeds the league’s limit of three substitution opportunities per game.

BBC Sport reported that the four windows came in the 62nd, 83rd, 90th and 97th minutes. Palace’s victory, sealed by Lexi Lloyd-Smith’s goal, marked the team’s return to WSL action, but the post-match focus has shifted to whether the club’s changes were made in breach of competition regulations.

The league said the review will involve both clubs and referee body Pro Ref. Under WSL rules, a breach does not automatically trigger a fixed punishment, but it can be referred to an independent tribunal. Possible outcomes can range from a warning or fine to a points deduction or another sporting sanction. BBC Sport said both clubs have been asked for comment.

More broadly, substitution-window rules are designed to limit stoppages and manage fairness in matches, and the case will be watched closely because any sanction could affect the standings if the tribunal finds a violation.