Aston Villa’s ‘ineligible player’ punishment knocks Man Utd out of Women’s League Cup

Introduction to this article

Aston Villa has managed to secure their place in the Conti Cup’s quarter-finals, but the process was marred by the use of an ineligible player, leading to an independent tribunal decision. The outcome has resulted in Manchester United being eliminated from the competition, with the club expressing disappointment over the decision.

Aston Villa’s Points Deduction

Aston Villa have had the three points from their Conti Cup group stage defeat of Sunderland deducted, as they fielded Noelle Maritz in the game despite the defender being ineligible to play. Maritz, who had sealed a January move from Arsenal, was brought on as a substitute during Villa’s win, breaching Conti Cup rules and prompting an FA investigation.

The FA’s Statement

The Football Association released a written statement on the outcome, announcing the deducting of three points from Aston Villa and awarding them to their opponents Sunderland. The 7-0 scoreline is to be expunged from the record, resulting in Sunderland finishing as Group A winners and Aston Villa progressing to the quarter-finals as one of the two best-placed runners-up alongside Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United’s Response

Following the tribunal’s decision, Manchester United expressed their disappointment and questioned the rationale behind the outcome. The club believes that the decision undermines the integrity of the competition and the women’s game, reflecting their dissatisfaction with the situation.