Carla Ward concerned as FA investigates Villa’s ‘horrible mistake’ in League Cup

Noelle Maritz had already played for Arsenal in the competition.

Sunny Badwal
Friday 26 January 2024 13:59 GMT
Carla Ward (PA)
Carla Ward (PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Aston Villa boss Carla Ward admitted a “horrible mistake” to field ineligible player Noelle Maritz which could knock them out of the League Cup.

Defender Maritz was brought off the bench at half-time in Villa’s 7-0 rout over Sunderland on Wednesday with the score at 3-0 when she stepped onto the pitch.

Maritz joined Villa from Arsenal in January but had previously made three appearances for the Gunners earlier in the competition.

The Football Association has referred the matter to an independent tribunal for “an alleged breach of Cup Rule 8.19”.

Villa’s comfortable victory meant they finished at the top of Group A and sealed their place in the quarter-finals, ahead of Sunderland in second, but their future in the competition now depends on the decision of the tribunal.

Ward admits conversations have taken place to make sure this does not happen again.

She told a press conference: “As a club we understand there has been a horrible mistake, quite honestly, and there has been some internal conversations and investigations on how this has happened.

“We have to take a collective responsibility on what is a horrible moment and we have to ensure we get the right processes in place that this doesn’t happen again.

Aston Villa reached the quarter-finals stage in last season’s competition and were aiming to go further this season but Ward admits they will accept any punishment that now may come their way.

“Of course there’s a worry because we targeted this to try and get to the semi-final, if not the final,” she added.

As a club we understand there has been a horrible mistake, quite honestly

Carla Ward

“We believe we’ve got enough quality. It’s in the hands of the FA now, we’re not sure what will be, but they’ll come to the right outcome of course and whatever that will be, we will accept.

“We performed excellently, won 7-0 but we’re not talking about that. Some individual brilliance, collective brilliance and a real positive performance…that would make it five wins in seven, that’s what we should be talking about.”

Villa return to Women’s Super League action on Sunday, with a match away to Manchester United.

The tribunal’s decision could have could have implications for United’s qualification for the League Cup quarter-finals, with boss Marc Skinner hoping ‘the right decision is made’.

I just hope it’s common sense that prevails and that we’re not the team that has to suffer from this situation

Marc Skinner

Skinner said: “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.”

“I hope it’s taken to that serious extent. It’s not to throw blame at anyone – I’m not here to do that – I just hope it’s common sense that prevails and that we’re not the team that has to suffer from this situation.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in