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WSL Opens Probe After Crystal Palace Used Fourth Substitution Window

The inquiry could lead to sanctions that change the match result or officials’ future assignments.

Overview

  • Crystal Palace won 1-0 at Gander Green Lane but made substitutions in four separate stoppages — at roughly the 62nd, 83rd, 90th and 97th minutes — which contravenes the WSL rule limiting teams to three substitution windows.
  • The Women's Super League confirmed there was a breach and said it has launched an investigation to be carried out with both clubs and Pro Ref, the body that oversees match officials.
  • Reports identify referee Megan Wilson as the match official and say she and her team have been provisionally stood down from next-round WSL and WSL2 assignments while the probe continues.
  • No penalties have been announced; media and league sources say possible outcomes range from a warning or fine to a points deduction or a replay, and any sanction would follow the investigation or a tribunal process.
  • On the same day Crystal Palace’s academy/PGA fixture against AFC Wimbledon was abandoned with Palace reduced to six players, an incident that adds scrutiny to the club’s wider operations and resource management.