Crystal Palace are being investigated by the WSL after using four substitution windows during their opening-day victory over Everton

Crystal Palace’s winning return to the Women’s Super League has been overshadowed by an investigation into a breach of the competition’s substitution rules.

The newly promoted side defeated Everton 1-0 on Sunday, with Lexi Lloyd-Smith scoring the only goal of the game to give Palace a dream start back in the top flight.

However, Palace made substitutions during four separate stoppages in the match, despite WSL rules allowing teams to make five changes across a maximum of three substitution opportunities.

The WSL has now confirmed that competition rules were breached and that an investigation will take place involving both clubs and Pro Ref.

Palace used four substitution windows

Palace boss Jo Potter made four separate substitution opportunities during the match at the VBS Community Stadium.

Abbie Larkin was introduced in the 62nd minute, followed by Ashleigh Weerden in the 83rd minute.

Allyson Swaby was then brought on in the 90th minute before Kirsty Howat completed Palace’s substitutions in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

While teams are permitted to make up to five substitutions during a match, those changes must be made across no more than three separate windows.

Palace therefore used a fourth opportunity, resulting in the breach now being investigated by the league.

The timing of the final substitution was also notable, with Howat entering the pitch during the seventh minute of 13 minutes of added time.

WSL confirms investigation

The WSL has confirmed that the incident constituted a breach of its competition rules.

In a statement, the league said: “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.”

The league has not yet confirmed what punishment, if any, Palace could face.

The investigation will now determine the circumstances surrounding the additional substitution window before any decision is made.

Match officials stood down

The incident has also resulted in the match officials being stood down from the next round of WSL and WSL 2 fixtures.

Referee Megan Wilson and her team are reportedly not expected to be appointed to matches in the upcoming round, with the fixture appointments due to be announced on Monday afternoon.

The decision places further focus on how the additional substitution opportunity was permitted to take place during the game.

Pro Ref, formerly known as PGMOL, is responsible for overseeing match officials across English football, including the Premier League, EFL, WSL and FA Cup.

Palace still enjoyed a dream return

Despite the controversy surrounding the substitutions, Palace had plenty to celebrate after securing three points on their return to the WSL.

Lloyd-Smith’s first-half goal proved decisive as Palace held on for a 1-0 victory over Everton.

It was a particularly significant result for Potter’s side, who had earned promotion back to the top flight and immediately picked up a win against an established WSL opponent.

The clean sheet also gave Palace a perfect platform to build from as they look to establish themselves in the division.

However, the substitution breach means their opening weekend will now be remembered for more than just their impressive return to the top flight.

What happens next?

The WSL’s investigation will now look into how Palace were allowed to make substitutions across four separate stoppages.

Both Crystal Palace and Everton will be involved in the process alongside Pro Ref, with the league expected to provide a further update once the investigation has been completed.

For Palace, the priority will be ensuring that the incident does not overshadow what was otherwise an excellent opening day.

After returning to the WSL with a victory, Potter’s side will now have to wait and see whether the substitution breach leads to any further consequences.