Aston Villa: Fielding ineligible player was 'horrible mistake', says boss Carla Ward
- Published
Noelle Maritz replaced Rachel Corsie in the second half of Wednesday's League Cup win over Sunderland
Aston Villa manager Carla Ward says it was a "horrible mistake" that led to a potential breach of the rules in the Women's League Cup by fielding an ineligible player.
The Football Association is investigating after Noelle Maritz played in the 7-0 win over Sunderland.
The Swiss defender played for Arsenal in earlier rounds before joining Villa.
"We need to take collective responsibility on how it's happened," said Ward.
"First and foremost as a club we understand there's been a horrible mistake quite honestly and there's been some internal conversations and investigations on how it's happened.
"We have to ensure we get the right processes in place so this doesn't happen again."
The quarter-final draw was due to be conducted live on the BBC on Friday, but has been postponed until Monday 29 January while the FA - which has referred the matter to an independent tribunal - conducts its investigation.
Barnsley were kicked out of the men's FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their first-round replay win at non-league Horsham in November.
Villa are being investigating for "an alleged breach of Cup Rule 8.19".
Wednesday's 7-0 win meant they topped Group A, ahead of Sunderland in second, and qualified for the quarter-finals, but their fate now depends on the decision of the tribunal.
In a similar case, Reading were removed from the 2014 League Cup and fined £50 after fielding Bonnie Horwood, who had made three appearances for Watford earlier in the competition.
The five League Cup group winners progress to the knockout stage, alongside the best two second-placed sides, decided on a points-per-game basis.
Manchester United finished second in Group D, and their 2.25 points per game should qualify them for the knockout stage, only bettered by Tottenham's 2.5 after they beat Southampton on Thursday.
However, should the result be awarded to Sunderland - and Villa not receive a harsher punishment - then Villa will be level on points-per-game with United but have a better goal difference, while Sunderland would win Group A.
Asked about the impact on Manchester United and his thoughts on the situation, manager Marc Skinner said on Friday: "All I understand so far is that things have gone to a tribunal to see the result. I think that's all we know.
"I actually don't think we have a say in it even though it can directly affect us. I will just reiterate what I said the other night in that I hope the right decision is made and it's not to the detriment of Manchester United.
"We did everything we can to qualify from the most difficult group and I feel hopefully the right decision is made and doesn't scold Manchester United."
This latest situation with Villa comes after Arsenal's 2-1 win over Everton in the Women's Super League was the only game in that division not broadcast live on TV due to a scheduling error.
Asked how damaging these mistakes are given the spotlight on women's football, Ward added: "Yeah. Look, there's no hiding away from those little bits you've mentioned. Of course we want to grow the women's game.
"Of course mistakes don't help but listen, mistakes are made by human beings. Human beings work in the men's game too so it's not isolated to the women's game but like you said, it's about continuing to grow the game.
"I've talked about it a number of times - about building structures and infrastructure and making sure all the women's game is growing in the right way."
Aston Villa travel to Manchester United in their next match in the WSL on Sunday (12:00 GMT kick-off).