Arsenal Women’s next Women’s Super League opponents Crystal Palace are under investigation after breaching substitution rules during Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Everton.
Palace began their return to the top flight with three points thanks to Lexi Lloyd-Smith’s first-half winner, but the result has since been overshadowed by an administrative error.
The WSL is investigating after Palace made substitutions during four separate second-half stoppages, despite competition rules allowing teams only three substitution opportunities during a match.
BREAKING: WSL launch investigation after Crystal Palace Women used 4 sub windows in their win over Everton
“We confirm there was a breach of competition rules (that) permit a maximum of 3 substitution opportunities
We'll conduct an investigation with both clubs/Pro Ref & update” pic.twitter.com/uEFG0mmQco
— Giulia Bould (@GiuliaBould) September 6, 2026
Crystal Palace face WSL investigation before Arsenal trip
Palace made changes in the 62nd, 83rd, 90th and 97th minutes of their victory over Everton.
Sky Sports’ official team information confirms those four separate substitution windows, while the WSL has subsequently opened an investigation into the breach.
The precise punishment has not yet been determined.
Sky Sports reports that Palace are at risk of a points deduction, while the Guardian says the 1-0 result could potentially be overturned depending on the outcome of the investigation.
That means Arsenal will be watching developments particularly closely.
Renée Slegers’ side host Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 13 September at 1:45pm BST, with Arsenal’s official fixture listings confirming the game as their first home WSL match of the season.
Arsenal themselves started the new campaign successfully on Sunday.
Lisa Baum scored a spectacular debut goal as the Gunners secured a 1-0 victory away to Brighton, while four summer signings were included in Slegers’ starting XI.
Our permanent Arsenal Women guide tracks the squad, fixtures and major developments throughout the 2026/27 season.
Palace will now wait to learn whether their opening victory stands unchanged before travelling across London to face Arsenal.
For Slegers, the focus remains considerably simpler.
Arsenal have three points on the board and an opportunity to maintain their winning start when they return to the Emirates next weekend.
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