The Women’s Super League is investigating Crystal Palace’s use of four substitution windows during their 1–0 win over Everton at Borough Sports Ground on Sunday, 6 September. The league said Palace breached its limit of three substitution opportunities, according to a BBC report carrying its statement.
Palace made changes in the 62nd, 83rd, 90th and 97th minutes, the BBC reported. The league said it would investigate the incident with both clubs and the refereeing body Pro Ref.
According to The Athletic, officials who worked on the match were stood down from the next round of fixtures while the investigation continued. Its report said teams may introduce five substitutes across three separate windows, with Palace using an additional stoppage.
Lexi Lloyd-Smith scored the only goal in the 34th minute, according to Palace’s official match centre. The club recorded the final score as 1–0 on its return to the top division.
The BBC reported that the competition’s rules do not set an automatic punishment for the breach. An independent tribunal could impose a warning, a fine, a points deduction or another sporting sanction if the case reaches that stage.
Palace returned to the WSL after one season in the second tier under head coach Jo Potter, according to the league’s season preview. They secured promotion by finishing second in WSL 2, level on points with champions Birmingham City.
The league said Palace’s previous top-flight campaign, in 2024–25, ended in relegation after two wins and 10 points. Sunday’s fixture opened their latest WSL campaign.
The investigation will determine whether further disciplinary action follows the substitution breach. The reports reviewed did not announce a sanction or a change to the result.
